backlash towards WS pavillions?

[lodgelady]

Has anyone heard of negative backlash or lack of business for the Canada, France, China and Mexico pavillions? Conversely, shows of support for England? Just curious-

 

[KNWVIKING]

I'm very interested to know about France.

 

[Ona]

Conversely, shows of support for England?

Erm ........... what about us Scots, the Welsh & N.Irish i.e. the UK?

Ona

 

[KNWVIKING]

What part of Scotland ?

 

[roymccoy]

We love all you guys....thanks for sticking with us!


Roy

 

[Planogirl]

We visited all of the pavilions a few times a few weeks ago and I couldn't detect any difference in crowds in the different pavilions. I did see quite a few security guards in France which I thought was a shame.

 

[KNWVIKING]

Any change in attitude from the CM's in Morroco ? Morrocan citizens have expressed willingness to fight for Iraq.

 

[eeyore0062]

No difference that I could tell last week. Hopefully those who are visiting recognize that they aren't really hurting the countries in question, only WDW and the castmembers who are working in those pavillions.

 

[DaveO]

I will be the Un-PC one ....

When I go to WS in December I will be boycotting all the pavillions who did not support the US - especially France.

I do not think I could talk to any of the CMs without having a hint of hostility in my voice - so I best stay away.

I am sure I am not the only one. It would be interesting to see statistics on attendance.

Remember as Colin Powell stated to a foriegn reporter when asked about the US and UK 'imperialism' before the war - he said something to the effect ...

'The US has never recieved any land for any of the wars we fought for freedom. The only land we have ever asked for was to bury our soilders.'

God Bless USA and our troops.

Dave O.

 

[Ona]

What part of Scotland ?

I'm on the west coast, near Glasgow.

To be honest, I find this all a bit strange. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand your pride in your country and your willingness to stand up for what you believe in.

(To be honest, I am tired of this Anti-Americanism which seems to be spreading. More often than not, I find myself defending the US in discussions with friends. I'm not anti-war, but I'm not pro-war. But I am pro-US. I think it's becoming too easy for people to forget that you guys aren't the bad guys. But, hey, I guess that's all a matter of opinion. )

But, I am also about to participate in the WDW International Program representing the UK in Epcot. I have been getting to know people from all over the world who will also be participating in the program. And they are just like me. Most are students, recent graduates, or straight out of high school. And are pround to represent their country. That is not to say they are proud of their government's policies. Maybe they are, maybe they are not. I couldn't really say. But one thing I do know, is that they love the US and they love Disney. Just like everyone here.

I do not think I could talk to any of the CMs without having a hint of hostility in my voice

Of course that is your own personal choice. May I ask? What if while I'm in the US representing the UK, my goverment makes a decision that you do not agree with (and perhaps, I do not agree with), will that apply to me too?

Ona

 

[KNWVIKING]

... There is a big difference in a "disagreement" and the position France has taken, (typical example was when they flat out rejected Tony Blair's proposal before the Iraqi government even had a chance to read it). We all disagree with each other on this board, doesn't mean we're going to blow each other up.

BTW, I was stationed in Holy Loch for three years. Just trying to find someone who is familiar with the Dunoon area. Ta.

 

[Ona]

There is a big difference in a "disagreement" and the position France has taken

I agree. The positions the French government has adopted lately, has, to be perfectly honest, frightened me. But again, I'll make the point that acting in a hostile manner toward the French WDWIP participants or Boycotting the French pavillion at a US theme park, has little (if any) effect on French government policy. And in the end, really hurts noone other than the CMs and the person who will miss out on the experience of the pavillion itself.

But, each to their own. If that is how you wish to express your beliefs then that's okay. Isn't that what our goverments are trying to defend?

I was stationed in Holy Loch for three years

No Way! I'm staring at the Holy Loch right now! I live in Gourock! Straight across from Hunter's Quay. The ferry docks at the bottom of my street!

It's a small world after all, it's a small world ...............................

Ona

 

[KNWVIKING]

I lived right above Marshal's Dairy, right on the lowroad, in Kirn, looking right out on the Clyde. I've ridden that ferry many times- even watched Navy tugs pull them off the sandbar thats out there.

 

[wtg2000]

I was at the French pavilion last week. The restaurants and shops were very busy. People clapped at the end of the film, and were happy joking around with the boisterous CM who introduced the film. I saw nothing out of the ordinary there or at any other pavilion. WS was quite crowded. People were enjoying themselves and I didn't hear anyone talking about the war.

 

[d-r]

Originally posted by DaveO
I will be the Un-PC one ....

'The US has never recieved any land for any of the wars we fought for freedom. The only land we have ever asked for was to bury our soilders.'

God Bless USA and our troops.

Dave O.

Dave I don't disagree with the gist of what you are saying in your post or your main points.

But I do have to question that idea. What about Texas? How about the northwest territories? Puerto Rico? The Phillipines (1898-1946)? What about Guam? The Marshall Islands (we let those go in the 80s)? We gave Okinawa back to the Japanese in the 1970's, but we still have 13 bases there (more than land to bury our soldiers).

Again, I don't disagree with your premise that we do not have "Imperialistic" intentions in this conflict, but I'm not sure about the veracity of such an absolute statement....
DR

 

[lodgelady]

I did not mean to insult anyone- next time I will say UK pavillion.

I know if I were going to WS right now, I would just feel disappointed enough in France to skip it. NOT out of hate for the French, but because I would not care to CELEBRATE that country right now.
On the other hand, I would be very enthusiastic to visit the UK pavillion because of their support of our country during this difficult time.

 

[Ona]

lodgelady, I wasn't insulted or anything. I just wanted folks to remember that our guys are out there too.

KNWVIKING, so strange. I'm pretty much staring right at Kirn as I type. Have you been back since?

Ona

 

[BrianD]

I don't care what the political situation is, unless that bakery shuts down, there ain't nothin' keeping me away from the France pavillion!

 

[KNWVIKING]

We left in 1980, shortly after our 1st son was born. In 1995, we were planning a big trip back to the UK,both our boys seemed excited about it. When they realized it would include a lot of driving, historic sites and not a lot of amusement parks, they lost some enthusiasm. We asked " Go to Scotland or WDW ?". Let's just say we haven't been back. When we left they were in the process of rebuilding the promanade area in Dunoon, but never saw the finished product. I understand that since the US Navy closed that base,the whole area has seen some pretty tough financial times. We'll get back someday. Maybe I can rent a Vauxhall Viva to drive around in.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by BrianD
I don't care what the political situation is, unless that bakery shuts down, there ain't nothin' keeping me away from the France pavillion!

Exactly my feelings too!

And also please try to remember that the CMs at the pavillions are mostly young people away from home. Try to put yourself in the position of having your child go to a foreign country and the people there are unfriendly to him/her.