Disney World needs more Mickey Mouse

[scoobygrl79]

I am on Team "They could use more Mickey". I agree with PP that it is starting to feel that Disney is pushing Disney Princesses as their main icons, and I'm going only by what attractions/rides are themed after the classic characters versus the princesses, not by what is mainstream in entertainment media/clothes/toys/etc (I'm sure princesses win there too, though).
I'm not complaining since I have 2 girls, 1 boy... but in a way I feel that Mickey n friends has more longevity to have a following therefore should be properly marketed in the parks too. I say this only because my eldest, her friends, my friend's daughters, my nieces/cousins seem to reach a point where they appear to view Disney Princesses as too young for them (IE no more Ariel backpack for school, or Belle winter coat, or Aurora sneakers). I'm sure they'll reach a point as they mature when they won't feel that way (IE I don't mind wearing Disney Princess themes, and I'm in my 30's). However, there doesn't seem to be that same stigma associated with Mickey and his peeps. Right now, my 8 yr old doesn't mind proudly sporting her Minnie watch & faithfully wears Mickey socks daily. This is not even bringing my son into it as the only reason he knows anything about the princesses and has seen their movies is through forced association. At his age (6), I think he'd have very little desire for princess attractions if it weren't for his sisters. He'd LOVE more Mickey/Friends rides to claim as "his faves" than just Goofy Barnstormer.

When I consider the top additions in the recent years (Belle's Enchanted Tales, Ariels ride, SDMT) plus the future frozen ride, its easy to see which characters are getting the heaviest promotion. I'm not saying this is a boy vs girl thing as much as I just support the notion that more variety would be great and I don't hate the idea of doing it in the form of Mickey and pals.

 

[pampam]

Like Walt said, "It all started with a mouse". Everyone, (except my husband) likes Mickey. He's a very likable character and very huggable. Even babies who havn't been introduced to him are agreeable to meet him, encouraged by their parents enthusiasm.

I was thinking the other night about the MK in the early years, thinking especially about the Mickey Mouse Revue. Technology has increased so much now, and I feel there should be something featuring the worlds most popular mouse besides parades and meet and greets.

 

[kerplop]

I think the parks could use more of the originals in general. I'm not anti-princess or anything, but it makes me sad that Mickey and Friends have kind of taken a back seat to them. Then again I've been a Goofy fanatic my entire life and I wish he had a better ride! Though I like Barnstormer's theming a lot.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

Princesses=$$$$ pure and simple and Disney is going to ride that train until the wheels fall off.

I agree that it would be cool to have a Fab 5 attraction. But I think they also ARE an attraction. Maybe it is parental influence, but I think most children do know who Mickey is immediately and I think it's kind of implied that he's the "big cheese". At parades, shows, and character meals you can see the excitement in the kids when Mickey is coming, almost like he's Santa Clause. When my son was little Disney World was "Mickey's house". The ears are iconic and everywhere-you can't miss them.

 

[epcotty]

I agree it's too much Princesses though. Strange how in cartoons everyone's royalty! A whole lot more people than in real life, I guess people who aren't royalty aren't interesting or something

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Agreed.
When rumours started circulating about the opening and change of theme to Pop Century - Legendary Years I was greatly hoping it would be Mickey and gang related.

 

[katytrott]

Mickey is everywhere in WDW - hidden Mickeys!

I can remember reading a few years ago that Mickey (just talking about his head) is the perfect shape/character for babies. All because he is circular, symmetrical, has bright contrasting colours and has a happy face. Makes sense to me!

Even though the fab five trump all other characters when it comes to merchandise, I certainly agree that it would be lovely to have more rides based on them. However, I do understand Disney having each popular movie they've created represented in a ride, but I just wish there were less princess stuff.

I just don't get them at all. I've been brought up on a diet of Disney and as a young girl I dismissed them entirely - they weren't cute or funny (I think I saw them as a bit sappy and twee - apart from Mulan - she's great!) which was why I gravitated more to the animal based characters.

I now have 2 boys so still have nothing to do with the princesses and WDW can feel princess top heavy. I probably feel that way though as rides that I consider unisex eg star tours were movies that I loved when I was young - I'm sure there are girls who consider that a theme more for boys

We're in WDW at the moment, and Frozen is now a threat in our family - if boys misbehave we threaten them with taking them into a frozen themed event in DHS! Seriously though, Disney are way over the top with Frozen. I was chatting to a CM in Epcot yesterday and she was saying that the staff have got to pleading point of "no more frozen stuff please!"