Dear Disney Execs~
Truly, that was a horrible show. I can give you a pass on showing so many "Frozen" tie-ins given how popular it is this year, and I was prepared for such an onslaught. However, when did the annual Disney Christmas parade become a vehicle for promoting your own shows, your stable of singers (most of whom aren't very good), and even college football games (Tim Tebow and Robin Roberts talking bowl games with the "parade" going on behind them?!)? Nearly half the songs had nothing to do with Christmas; the parade (I use the term loosely) was nearly non-existent; the singers were off key save for a couple; the hosts were clueless but given the focus on commercialism, that's no surprise; and what the heck were you thinking about including Aulani other than an obvious and crass way to attempt to ratchet excitement about the resort?
I've not always enjoyed your hosts in the past (Nick Cannon comes to mind), but at least they appeared to be having fun and involved with their surroundings. This time, Tim Tebow related everything to his sports background. Sarah Hyland was just plain awkward (Actual comment: "You guys have great families, and now he's singing his huge hit [talking about Gavin McGraw]. . ."). I like her in "Modern Family," but she was terrible hosting. I see there was a huge crowd of 37 people watching on the beach at Aulani, too. I have no idea who Rob Marciano is, but apparently he can talk and take a selfie at the same time. He can also be very fake. At least Robin Roberts was a professional, even as she appeared to be uncomfortable looking into the camera (bright lights, anyone?) and sounded as if she was introducing the next segment of Good Morning America rather than a Disney event. Oh, wait, she had to jockey with Tim and talk football. My bad. I give her a pass, too.
You've been on a stretch of reaching for the gold--as in money--the past few years, but this was perhaps the biggest, most bald-faced attempt at manipulating your message that I've seen yet. I am but one voice, but let me state unequivocally that I will not tune into your Christmas special next year. This one was that awful. Stop overproducing the event. Focus on what people wish to see: the parade, the princesses, the gingerbread cookies, the toy soldiers, and for gosh sakes', Santa. Everything else is a money grab. In the immortal words of young Lexi Walker (who will I admit sounded lovely), let it go, already.
Signed,
Duped and Disappointed
