MK no longer "dry"????

[zulemara]

as posted in the other thread:

The utlimate irony: Building a nightlife entertainment district catering to the adult crowd. Closing it in favor of a more "family friendly" experience. Then allowing alcohol inside the flagship "family" park where Walt SPECIFICALLY didn't want alcohol served.

I really don't know why Disney is holding auditions for circus acts for FLE. They have a full blown circus act right at TDO(Team Disney Orlando)

In addition:
Disney has proven multiple times that they are a slippery slope. If I could trust that the environment will be controlled, that exits will be watched, and that the rules will be enforced, then it'd be a little bit easier, but the reality is I can't. Sure, they'll have someone at the doorway for what? 6 months? Then they'll get cheap and cut labor, next thing you know, no one is enforcing it. As far as I'm concerned it's the same situation with inappropriate Tshirts coming into the park. Only front entrance ops can tell a guest to turn a shirt inside out, yet they are watching 2-4 turnstiles at a time with people who can't figure out how to stick it in and put their finger on it. No wonder tshirts with the F word, hell, damn, and poo make their way into the parks. I see no reason to trust that alcohol will be entirely isolated to this location, nor do I trust the rule will be enforced by the CP who doesn't give a damn watching the door. All of this on top of the fact that Walt EXPLICITLY did not want alcohol in MK.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

All of this on top of the fact that Walt EXPLICITLY did not want alcohol in MK.

As Skip has pointed out, there is no indication that Walt felt this way about Florida, and there's certainly no indication how he would feel close to 50 years after his death. Walt died before Bobby Kennedy died; it was a different world.

 

[zulemara]

I'll email Bob Gurr. I'm sure he has a lot to say on the issue.

 

[whodini]

I find some irony that people are outraged that Disney would let alcohol into another park and closer to children, yet in in Brooklyn the exact opposite is happening. Parents are outraged that they can no longer bring their children into a beer garden after 4 pm. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...-garden-bans-children-4-p-m-article-1.1160216
It's just funny that there will always be someone outraged about something.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

As Skip has pointed out, there is no indication that Walt felt this way about Florida, and there's certainly no indication how he would feel close to 50 years after his death. Walt died before Bobby Kennedy died; it was a different world.

Actually, this is something that has been documented. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I have read about it before in a book as well as spoke with someone at Disney Studios/Archives two years ago during my ABD trip. Walt specifically said that he did not want alcohol in either MKs. Club 33 was made the exception in DL due to its being a private club that is not open to the public. Florida's MK, though, does not have such a venue and all of the park was meant to stay "dry." This tradition has been in place since it opened in 1971.

 

[whodini]

Actually, this is something that has been documented. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I have read about it before in a book as well as spoke with someone at Disney Studios/Archives two years ago during my ABD trip. Walt specifically said that he did not want alcohol in either MKs. Club 33 was made the exception in DL due to its being a private club that is not open to the public. Florida's MK, though, does not have such a venue and all of the park was meant to stay "dry." This tradition has been in place since it opened in 1971.

And as Kevin has pointed out, there is no telling what Walt would have changed his mind about after 50 years. He most likely wouldn't approve of a woman executive running his parks either. Should there be a glass ceiling across the entire Disney company put back in place? While some would love Meg C removed from her current role, should no woman ever have this job?

As the fine folks over at Demotivators.com have proclaimed "TRADITION - Just because you've always done it that way doesn't mean it's not incredibly stupid."

P.S. I am not calling anyone or any belief stupid, I'm just using a funny quote to share my own beliefs.

 

[jnscott4]

Thank you so much Pete people have forgot the vision Walt had !!!

Walt's vision? Come on people, Walt has been dead for 50 years. His vision would have most certainly changed by now. He was a business man and would have seen the financial benefits of beer and wine sales today. Walt's vision for Epcot was an actual working city of the future, but we all know that wasnt built. I don't see any threads blasting Disney for not honoring Walt's vision when they built the Epcot that we all know and love today.

 

[disney david]

This must be big because this is a first Pete rant in disboards he most of the time save them for the show. This been great John could of down NYC mayor ban sodas larger then 16 and then done this but not sure if Pete would of been able to continue with the show. Thanks Pete and the podcast crew for all that you do and all the hard work you put into the show.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

This must be big because this is a first Pete rant in disboards he most of the time save them for the show. This been great John could of down NYC mayor ban sodas larger then 16 and then done this but not sure if Pete would of been able to continue with the show. Thanks Pete and the podcast crew for all that you do and all the hard work you put into the show.

Something tells me that Pete's reply here is just a warm-up for when it'll be discussed on teh show....

 

[OKW Lover]

Something tells me that Pete's reply here is just a warm-up for when it'll be discussed on teh show....

Be sure to listen to the live recording we did yesterday at the GKTW meet.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Be sure to listen to the live recording we did yesterday at the GKTW meet.

 

[disney david]

Be sure to listen to the live recording we did yesterday at the GKTW meet.

But he didn't he John their to set him up but I an sure it is good.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

As documented in PROJECT FUTURE, when Walt was looking for a location for the second park in the '60's, a joint venture with the Bush family or Anheiser-Bush Co. of St. Louis was under serious consideration until they said beer must be served. Walt pulled the plug and looked to Florida.

I called WDW today to express my negative opinion of alcohol sales at BOG. The guest services rep told me that this is a very hot topic that they are tracking and WELL aware of.

She then informed me that alcohol sales are only happening at this 1 location, and only for dinner.

She then said stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog if they decided to change this policy.

We can only hope. But if you are anti-alcohol at MK, please do as I did and take the 4 minutes to call.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I guess I'm confused by all of the "this is what Walt wanted" sentiment when nothing is said when other things that seem to go against "what Walt wanted" happen.

Touchstone Pictures (a Disney company) produced R rated movies.

Disney built Pleasure Island. (nightclubs)

Epcot, DHS and Animal Kingdom serve drinks everywhere.

I'm really not sure what "slippery slope" folks are concerned about.

Virtually all of the other Disney properties serve alcohol without any degradation to the experience.

Where does the outrage come from when they decide to serve alcohol on the other side of a turnstile?

As others (and myself) have stated, Walt decided not to serve alcohol in the Magic Kingdom at a time when there weren't any / many choices for families. He also had one park to worry about.

Just as the Carousel of Progress is outdated (and if Walt were alive that would never happen), so is this idea of keeping the Magic Kingdom as what "Walt would have wanted." Keep in mind that Walt had an Aunt Jemima restaurant in his park and agreed to sell ladies undergarments on Main Street. Also, keep in mind that it's the Disney Company that refuses to release Song of the South. This was a "Walt Disney creation".

Lot's of Walt's ideas wouldn't fly today and would be considered "outdated".

I think this is one of them.

 

[DisneyKevin]

As documented in PROJECT FUTURE, when Walt was looking for a location for the second park in the '60's, a joint venture with the Bush family or Anheiser-Bush Co. of St. Louis was under serious consideration until they said beer must be served. Walt pulled the plug and looked to Florida.

There was more to that.

The Busch Family insisted that only Anheiser-Busch products be served and that they get a cut of the sales.

Walt didnt like other people telling him what to do or giving up even a small slice of the pie.

This wasnt all about serving alcohol in his park.

 

[LilyWDW]

As documented in PROJECT FUTURE, when Walt was looking for a location for the second park in the '60's, a joint venture with the Bush family or Anheiser-Bush Co. of St. Louis was under serious consideration until they said beer must be served. Walt pulled the plug and looked to Florida.

I called WDW today to express my negative opinion of alcohol sales at BOG. The guest services rep told me that this is a very hot topic that they are tracking and WELL aware of.

She then informed me that alcohol sales are only happening at this 1 location, and only for dinner.

She then said stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog if they decided to change this policy.

We can only hope. But if you are anti-alcohol at MK, please do as I did and take the 4 minutes to call.

And I will be sure to call them... and tell them I am fine with the move and totally support the idea.

What I can't get is this... how can people be SO sure that Walt Disney would be against this? Even if he was before 1966 (though no one has actually given a citation for it), how do we not know that he would have changed his mind by 2012? People often change their opinions on things as do businesses. It is a different time. A different age. So how can anyone speak for what Walt Disney would have wanted?

 

[sceavis]

Yes Walt is going none of us can say what he may of changed but it has been stated many times before he wanted a Dry Magic Kingdom.That's something we know for a fact so I'm defending his wishes plain and simple.It has been dry for 40 why fix something that's not broke.Disney states all the time and compares themselves to the values of Walt this is just a slap in his might as well just take the Walt out of Walt Disney World if they keep on going !!!

 

[BilltM]

Actually, this is something that has been documented. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I have read about it before in a book as well as spoke with someone at Disney Studios/Archives two years ago during my ABD trip. Walt specifically said that he did not want alcohol in either MKs. Club 33 was made the exception in DL due to its being a private club that is not open to the public. Florida's MK, though, does not have such a venue and all of the park was meant to stay "dry." This tradition has been in place since it opened in 1971.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Okay - really??? People don't get drunk at Disney because the prices are too high? I beg to differ. But that notwithstanding - Walt Disney specifically said he never wanted alcohol in the Magic Kingdom - it needed to be a place for families. This is where the current batch of morons running WDW cross the line - thinking they're smart enough or clever enough to start messing with real legacy issues left behind by the man who had the vision.

This is the beginning folks - it won't stop here. If this is allowed to stand - the envelope will keep getting pushed until we have Six Flags over Orlando.

Pete

For me, the slippery slope is very clear and well put in Pete's reply above. Once this is allowed, what's next?

To the best of my knowledge, Walt never said that alcohol should not be sold in other parks, only the MK.

I feel that his wishes should be honored despite time having passed. I can't see time changing his desire for the MK to be a place for families. Whether it was alcohol served in the 1950s, 1970s, or today, it was deemed inappropriate. The MK, in my opinion, should be the one place that serves as a "safe haven," so to speak, for children. Not selling alcohol eliminates much of the potential for drunken behavior. Sure, others can come off of the monorail and into the parks after being served; still, having it not sold in the MK lessens the chance of a higher number of people participating in such rowdy behavior.

Think of NYE in the MK - insanely crowded. If BOG serves alcohol and this is successful in terms of sales, wouldn't that entice Disney to having drink kiosks set up for the New Year's crowd? Wine served at Easter dinner at LTT? Beer carts in Tomorrowland? A wine pairing at Cinderella's Royal Table? Specialty-themed drinks during the Halloween parties? We know that Disney has acted in ways that we do not appreciate due to revenue. If alcohol at one restaurant brings in money, they will definitely expand this option to other areas in the park. And, what's wrong with that? In my opinion, it's not something that needs to be in a children's playground.

 

[sceavis]

For me, the slippery slope is very clear and well put in Pete's reply above. Once this is allowed, what's next?

To the best of my knowledge, Walt never said that alcohol should not be sold in other parks, only the MK.

I feel that his wishes should be honored despite time having passed. I can't see time changing his desire for the MK to be a place for families. Whether it was alcohol served in the 1950s, 1970s, or today, it was deemed inappropriate. The MK, in my opinion, should be the one place that serves as a "safe haven," so to speak, for children. Not selling alcohol eliminates much of the potential for drunken behavior. Sure, others can come off of the monorail and into the parks after being served; still, having it not sold in the MK lessens the chance of a higher number of people participating in such rowdy behavior.

Think of NYE in the MK - insanely crowded. If BOG serves alcohol and this is successful in terms of sales, wouldn't that entice Disney to having drink kiosks set up for the New Year's crowd? Wine served at Easter dinner at LTT? Beer carts in Tomorrowland? A wine pairing at Cinderella's Royal Table? Specialty-themed drinks during the Halloween parties? We know that Disney has acted in ways that we do not appreciate due to revenue. If alcohol at one restaurant brings in money, they will definitely expand this option to other areas in the park. And, what's wrong with that? In my opinion, it's not something that needs to be in a children's playground.