IOA censors Spiderman queue video

[johare]

A story in today's Orlando Sentinel says that "Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure snipped scenes from a video on one of its most popular rides that depicted the destruction of New York at the hands of a group of comic-book villains."

This is totally ridiculous. Now we are letting terrorists influence our theme park attractions? Does Universal really think people are so stupid that they can't tell the difference between comic book characters and reality?

I think these companies do this for the PR rather than out of respect for anyone. I really hope this is a temporary change.

Anyway, here is a LINK (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bizspider14091401sep14.story?coll=orl%2Dbusiness%2 Dheadlines) to the story.

[WebmasterBarry]

A lot of TV shows are editing out scenes of the WTC and attacks on NYC. I hope it is only temporary, as the whole point of the ride is an attack on NYC.

[johare]

As I said before, I think many of these big companies do this just to get their name in the paper. It's sad to think they would do that, but I really can't imaging anyone at Universal thinking that someone would be offended by the actions of some fictional comic book characters. I wonder why they didn't close down Jaws after all the recent shark attacks?

I was also disappointed to see the trailer for the Spiderman movie pulled just because it has a scene where a helicopter gets caught in a web built between the WTC towers.

[Seahag]

IMHO, it's not that at all, it's just that it is a fresh wound in the side of Americans. No one who is currently in or planning on a vacation wants to be reminded of this horrible, horrible attack on their fellow Americans right in the middle of the Spidey ride.
I'm sure every one can get more than enough reminders in the local papers & on the hotel TV, which I'm sure wil be reminding us for days to come. The idea of US & IOA is the "escape" of reality, as if you truly are riding the movies, & I don't think they want a downer in the middle of peoples vacation. At this time, sadly, real life is scary enough.

[Dznefreek]

<i>I wonder why they didn't close down Jaws after all the recent shark attacks?</i>

Excellent observation!

Political correctness in this country has gotten way out of hand. It is almost as if large companies/corporations are trying to decide what emotion we should have when viewwing a particular scene or object.

It is a ride and nothing more. If some guests do not want to see the WTC in the video; don't ride.

[Seahag]

And if I didn't know ?

[IOATech]

I think the point is we are not the enemy. We remain sensitive to events, but the references here are very subtle and are indeed based on comic books. I don't disagree with lightening things up, just taking things too seriously. We are here to entertain you and remove you from reality for a little while. This is only a ride.

[kellymonaghan]

Universal's decision was completely appropriate. They deserve kudos, not criticism.

[johare]

I'm sorry, but I don't feel their decision was appropriate at all. It was reactionary, probably because they felt the need to be part of this and do something and even though I don't like the idea, I think it may have even done just for the publicity.

What about all the people who go there who are familiar with this ride and now find a small part of it missing? I think enough has been lost...we don't need to start censoring our sources of entertainment just because it might bother a small percentage of the population. What if the Statue of Liberty had been destroyed in the recent attacks? Should the entire Spiderman attraction have been closed then?!? Maybe Universal should close the entire ride anyway out of respect for the families of those who jumped from the WTC towers...after all, how would they be affected if they were to ride Spiderman and experience the simulated fall from the building at the end. It quickly becomes ridiculous.

While I'm not sure that Universal deserves criticism, they most certainly do not deserve kudos for reacting this way.

[RhondaS]

Please keep in mind, that no matter what Universal did or does regarding this, somewhere, someone, will not be happy about it. Unfortunately, it's another of those "can't win for losing" situations.

[johare]

Please keep in mind, that no matter what Universal did or does regarding this, somewhere, someone, will not be happy about it. Unfortunately, it's another of those "can't win for losing" situationsI agree...they are not going to make everyone happy, but I think that's why they should have just left things as is rather than draw more attention to the situation.

[Quentin Disney]

I would not feel alright going on Spiderman now. The ride already features destruction of a famous landmark. Having lived in the Tri-State area for most of my life, this tragedy really hits me like so many others. I know Universal wouldn't do this, but I feel they should close the ride until people can get this stuff out of their minds.

[Robinrs]

johare, you have a right to your own opinion. I agree with kelly that USF deserves kudos, not criticism for this move.

The invasion of NYC may not have affected you the way it has many others, but try, I repeat TRY to be sensitive to the thousands of people who are hurting, me being one of them.

I'm sure it will be temporary but for now, I'm sure you can survive without it while USF tries to NOT remind those who do care, of it.

[AdventureFamily]

If the cowardly mastermind of the attacks could read what you all are writing, he would feel that his actions were effective. On the simple subject of Universal's reaction to the tragedy...and a simple change to a ride...this board, at least in this instance, has gone from a friendly chat room, full of people with the freedom to go and come as they please, to a divided and heated argument over what is a trivial matter.

We will see more of this in the days and weeks to come. We can't let it happen. Appreciate your freedom. Your freedom of choice. Your freedom of expression. Understand that many decisions will be made with which not everyone will agree. That is the nature of a democracy. Let's save our arguing for matters of importance and try to understand the Universal is simply trying to react correctly in a tremendously trying time.

God Bless America and all who love her.

[johare]

Robin,

Everyone is hurting over this, myself included. I was actually planning on going out there this weekend just to try to forget everything. I think the missing queue video will do more to remind me of this weeks tragic losses than just leaving the video alone would have done. Oh well...I guess I can live without the queue video...I'm just glad that Universal didn't decide to shut the whole attraction down!

[johare]

Thanks AdventureFamily for the great post. I think what bothers me most is the fact that tragic events of this week are spreading like a virus...movie trailers have been censored, theme park attractions altered, certain music pulled from radio station play lists, sporting events cancelled, etc... The cowardly terrorist scumbags have already taken much from us...I don't think we need to take things away from ourselves just to feel better.

[Robinrs]

AdventureFamily:

This is not a heated argument, just people giving their opinions about something that has changed the course of history.

This is just people offering responses to johare's ideas on what they feel about this subject. That IS freedom of speech. It's also what I consider a "discussion".

Everyone is reacting because they don't know what else to do. This is not a virus, it's a horrible circumstance. When one puts people on the offense, they will react on the defense. That is human. It's not bowing to anything, we are reacting the way we feel.

We must also remember that we are all together on this. What Universal did cannot please everyone but they chose to do it for their own reasons.

Remember guys, this is NOT the Debate board... :tongue:

[Darkennon]

Originally posted by RhondaS
Please keep in mind, that no matter what Universal did or does regarding this, somewhere, someone, will not be happy about it.

In my limited experience with this forum, I learn that Johare is *always* that person, no matter *what* Universal does.

Nothing will ever be good enough for Johare. Too bad, really.

[joe]

I knew I saw the towers somewhere on the ride. In a previous topic started by myself entitled "spiderman ride and World Trade Center", I posed a question about the towers and if they appeared on the ride. I guess I was the only one that saw this coming.

[nhrenee]

I appreciate the sensitivity on the part of Universal and other companys. I also think actions like what has happended with the SM ride is a temporary action. It's too much like salt in the wound right now though.

I think I understand some of Johare's frustration though. You hate to see any response that seems like we're letting the *******'s win.

We need to stay united.

[johare]

If anything I am a big supporter of 99% of what Universal does (now Disney is another story lately). I'm a little disappointed with the new Poseidon's Fury, wish they would finish Sylvester Monkey McBean's Driving machines and would like to see Cat in the Hat cleaned up a bit, however that does nothing to diminish how much we really enjoy these parks. I have been a passholder since right before IOA opened and even bought Celebrity passes to the studios at least 3 times prior to that. Even though I live 30 minutes away, I have stayed at the HRH twice now. Darkennon is supposedly a new poster with admittedly limited experience on these boards or he might know that.

That said, I am disappointed in Universals decision to cut scenes from the Spiderman pre-show, however I do understand why they may have done so and hope they have done it for the right reasons. I just hope things get back to normal soon...

[CatOne]

I'm sorry to hear you feel this takes away from the ride....so as you posted to others...don't ride it. There are MANY corporations changing things in RESPECT to those who have been touched by this loss. Here are just a few, Walt Disney's Touchstone pictures has pulled the movie Big Trouble due to its content involving terrorism. Same with AOL Time Warner, they have pulled all ads for an October release of Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie Collateral Damage, same reason. All ads and posters have been pulled for Spider Man the movie because the Twin Towers reflected in the characters eyes and he is shown climbing the WTC in the movie. The end of Men in Black 2 has to be re-shot as does a scene from Jackie Chan's Nosebleed..on and on and on. How would you feel in a few months walking in to see one of these movies to "escape" your hurt and seeing these scenes, having no idea they were in there and all that pain flooding back. The studios stand to lose a fortune doing this, this is not a publicity stunt. They do not gain money by having to change release dates, scenes from a movie OR changing a ride. Perhaps there really are hearts in these big CEO's out there and they are hurting too.

CatOne

[johare]

I'm sorry to hear you feel this takes away from the ride....so as you posted to others...don't ride it. I never said it took anything away from the ride, I'm just disappointed that they had to remove a small part of the queue video. Doesn't mean I still won't enjoy the ride.

There are MANY corporations changing things in RESPECT to those who have been touched by this loss. Here are just a few, Walt Disney's Touchstone pictures has pulled the movie Big Trouble due to its content involving terrorism. Same with AOL Time Warner, they have pulled all ads for an October release of Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie Collateral Damage, same reason

Since these are movies based on terrorism (and not comic book characters) I can understand why they would want to do this and feel it is appropriate, though I do question why terrorism was ok to feature in the movies prior to this? Spider Man the movie because the Twin Towers reflected in the characters eyesSorry, but this one is really stupid. Politically correctness has gotten way out of hand. What's really strange is that today the studios are pulling a movie ad because of a small refection in the characters eyes and eventually there will be movies made just about the events of 9/11/2001.

How would you feel in a few months walking in to see one of these movies to "escape" your hurt and seeing these scenes, having no idea they were in there and all that pain flooding back.My god, are we adults or little kids. Will seeing the reflection of the WTC towers in Spidermans eyes really cause people to freak out? How can these same people watch space shuttle launches without being reminded of Challenger? How could we create movies about the holocost without taking into consideration the memories it would stir up for jewish people? Thank GOD they didn't hit the White House or there would be lunatics out there pushing for $20 bills to be redesigned.

[One2Tango]

Is the Kongfrontation ride being affected by these changes at all?

[CatOne]

Well, johare, I feel deeply pained for those that have been effected by this tragedy and if ANYTHING reminds them of the pain, a ride, a movie etc. I would want to respect their feelings. Oh, and by the way, could you please let me in on the difference between a FICTIONAL made-up movie character and a comic book one. Yes, I can certainly see where the "real" ones should be pulled and not the others. By the way, the movie is not cartoon form, it's an actor dressed as Spider Man fighting villians who look like everyday people. I can't believe you think Men in Black should be pulled because of the WTC shots but not Spider Man!! These people, the nation for that matter, are/is very raw right now and yes, I believe it is very insensitive to release a movie featuring the WTC in ANY form at this time. In years to follow when things are settled, you're right, they'll be right back to making these movies, pictures, etc. But for now, I cannot believe that ANYONE can be so insensitive to their pain that they are whining over a portion of a ride in a theme park being removed. AMAZING!!!


CatOne


ps sporting events were cancelled in respect also. A number of the major league players were interviewed and they felt it was disrespectful to go out there and play at this time and were pleased with the decision. One of the players, and sorry I did not get his name, made the comment that we should be focused on this as a nation, to mourn for those lost and respect those left with the hurts, NOT focusing on our individual enjoyment of sports. It has only been 4 days, lives for most of us will resume as normal but take into account those who will never be the same again.

[Lobo]

Hello ladies and gentleman on this post.

I am posting through a friend's ID for this time only.

I understand your sadness over all that has happened this week and I as an American am still feeling the emotions of the events.

I am an employee of IOA and an original opener of Spiderman.

The ride itself does not have any scenes of the World Trade Towers in it because of the nature of the story.

The Statue of Liberty is the only landmark focused on during the ride.

I understand the feelings of those who think it was in the scenes but it wasn't.

I wish that the papers would be more responsible in these trying times and be more aware of their sources.

Thank you and God Bless us all in this time of sorrow.

[johare]

I feel deeply pained for those that have been effected by this tragedy and if ANYTHING reminds them of the painI feel deeply pained for those that have been affected too (and who in this country hasn't), but we can't always protect people from reality. You really think that ANYTHING which reminds someone of this should be removed or censored? Like I said before, what if they had hit the White House? Would we have immediately needed to redesign $20 bills so they wouldn't remind people of the pain?
could you please let me in on the difference between a FICTIONAL made-up movie character and a comic book oneIf you can't tell the difference there is nothing I can do to help.
But for now, I cannot believe that ANYONE can be so insensitive to their pain that they are whining over a portion of a ride in a theme park being removed. AMAZING!!! What about those who would be reminded of our losses due to the video being edited? Passholders who go there often will certainly notice the missing video and perhaps this will remind them of the recent events and cause them pain. Anyway, it's clear that nothing will make everyone happy and it's really not worth arguing any more. I just hope things get somewhat back to normal soon...

[CatOne]

johare, it sounds to me like you don't understand the difference, there is no difference in a fictional movie whether it is based on acomic book or just created on paper by a writer. These stories are no more real than Spider Man. Believe me, check out Big Trouble when its released and you will agree it is as far fetched as any Spicder Man movie! And MIB is also based on a comic series, however, when I mentioned it was one of the movies being re-shot, you seemed to think that was appropriate. ALL of these movies are fictional and all portrayed some form of terrorism including the new Spider Man movie. I suspect your problem answering my question is because you don't have an answer. And in case you don't understand my last post, YES, for the next few months, year, whatever, I do think if there is a way to avoid causing unneccesary pain, DO IT. Removing a movie poster or delaying, not cancelling, delaying a movie until the feelings are not quite so raw is RESPECTFUL. Your thoughts on the minting of money do not justify a response. If they were considering cancelling these movies altogether, I would not agree but I feel that a respectable amount of time needs to pass before we jump at the chance to indulge ourselves in a movie that might cause others pain. I don't what time frame that would be exactly but I think a few months is the least they can do. The previous movies, well, they are out there, I don't always agree with them either but that is completely another thread. I felt the coverage of this by the media has been both good and bad. There are people out there using the media coverage in hopes of telling about the person they are looking for and showing posters etc. In that way it is good. For the first few days it was informative and seemed to be responsible, now it is slowly but surely just becoming a reminder of the pain. the nation has the right to be informed and I would hope the news continues to do so but they do tend to drag out things when there really is nothing new to report. That and constantly showing the planes crashing into the buildings, well, I think enough is enough and they should stick to what is going on right now with our nation not those shots that are painful to ALL of us not just the ones who have lost others. GEEZ, this is becoming a debate. This is the last thing I'll say in this post, in my opinion it's R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Simple and to the point. You cannot shield everyone form everything but where we can, let's try, at least for a little while. They have not even recovered all those missing yet.


CatOne

[johare]

johare, it sounds to me like you don't understand the difference, there is no difference in a fictional movie whether it is based on acomic book or just created on paper by a writer. Ok, I think I see where we got confused here. I was refering to the queue video on the Spiderman ride being edited and thought you were saying there is no difference between that and a fictional movie. The queue video is an animated cartoon and there is a big difference between that and a fictional movie. Editting a cartoon is a bit ridiculous. If you were refering to the Spiderman Movie due out next year, you are correct...there isn't much difference between that and a fictional movie which is not based on a comic book.
Your thoughts on the minting of money do not justify a response.As you said to me, that's because you have no response.
You cannot shield everyone form everything but where we can, let's try, at least for a little while. They have not even recovered all those missing yet. I agree to an extent. If we are still censoring stuff next year then I think we will have gone too far.

Anyway, enough of this. Lets agree to disagree on this and focus on our real enemys.

[CatOne]

Something we agree on!!:-) I hope we nail those b*******!! Regardless of what happens with the movies and rides;-)

CatOne

p.s. my response about the money was answered just not directly. It was answered when I said you cannot shield everyone from everything and some things would be ridiculous. For instance the movies already on the shelf, it would be going a little too far to pull all of them, just as it would be going too far to collect and reprint all the $20's out there. I believe in showing respect not going overboard. BUT that is just MHO, someone else might think we should.

[nhrenee]

LOBO: Thank you for clearing that up.

[Mouser]

We were in IOA on thursday and rode Spiderman...the ride was not diminished in any way due to it being missing and yet it remained respectful to the great loss we had just suffered also...

I also believed they had closed Kongfrontation for the same reason but it seems open now.....