Is adding Disney characters to IASW really that bad?

[pixiewings71]

I personally think that some rides shouldn't be "Disneyized." Like HM for instance, there are no Disney characters and it has it's own charm & is a Disney favorite. I like rides like these bc they go away from your typical everyday Disney character and has their own memorable characters like Madame Leota or the Hatbox Ghost in HM and each doll in IASW has their own special place in the ride. I just think that the addition of the Disney characters will just get in the way.

But you're incorrect, Madam Leota IS a Disney Character, as are the 3 hitchhiking ghosts. And remember, there is a HM movie.....

 

[Mike_M]

I personally think that some rides shouldn't be "Disneyized." Like HM for instance, there are no Disney characters and it has it's own charm & is a Disney favorite. I like rides like these bc they go away from your typical everyday Disney character and has their own memorable characters like Madame Leota or the Hatbox Ghost in HM and each doll in IASW has their own special place in the ride. I just think that the addition of the Disney characters will just get in the way.

But you're incorrect, Madam Leota IS a Disney Character, as are the 3 hitchhiking ghosts. And remember, there is a HM movie.....

You could argue that the Donald Duck chair and the hidden Mickeys in HM are a way of adding disney characters to the ride. I think a better example would be if they added Eddie Murphy AA characters all through HM which I think would be taking things too far. Madam Leota and the hitchhiking ghosts became Disney characters as a result of the ride rather then the other way around. Plus don't forget that HM has been changed already from its original version (Attic scene) so it isn't immune to plussing. Due to the relative anominity of the IASW dolls, there really weren't any characters to take away from it.

I prefer to look at it like this:
The Disney characters that have been added to IASM are not actually Disney characters but just more children who have dressed up as disney characters. If you look at it from that perscpective, then I believe it still fits into the "Original theme" of the ride.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I want to add that the Disney characters show the sharing of different cultures through stories. Many of the Disney classics stories came from other countries. It may give you a different way to watch the movies. One example is watching the Aristocats and seeing Paris in the background and seeing how accurate it may be or how the people are portrayed.

This is what I was thinking, as well. Then to add on to Mike's quote

I prefer to look at it like this:
The Disney characters that have been added to IASM are not actually Disney characters but just more children who have dressed up as disney characters. If you look at it from that perscpective, then I believe it still fits into the "Original theme" of the ride.

The ride will show Disney characters, in some instances, as toys that are made by the children of other lands, so it is in essence, how the children of the world use those stories in their play and lives - something that binds us all. What an appropriate theme - the innocence of childhood belief in stories of fantasy and fun.

As far as the Americana theming - don't the children of America deserve to be represented to all the tourists who come to Disneyland from other nations? They have been left out of the "world party" (with the exception of the lone cowboy and Native American "indian" in the final scene) for all this time. Shouldn't we show the pride we have in our nation to others? In the 60's, the average American was not as globally conscious as they are today. Now, more than ever, the world stage is in the forefront. Why not show others how proud we are of our country - and it's history and stories, too?

PS - I always thought it was interestingly appropriate that the cowboy and indian were next to the French can-can girls. American Westerns were extremely popular in France at the turn of the century and wild west shows were always found there. Annie Oakley and several of the popular cowboys were known to tour Europe. That is also the reason for the Wild West stunt show/dinner show that was at Disneyland Paris when it opened.

 

[pixiewings71]

Yes the movie was made well after the ride, same with Pirates. But my point was that IMO the characters are Disney characters simply because they are IN Disneyland.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

This is what I was thinking, as well. Then to add on to Mike's quote



The ride will show Disney characters, in some instances, as toys that are made by the children of other lands, so it is in essence, how the children of the world use those stories in their play and lives - something that binds us all. What an appropriate theme - the innocence of childhood belief in stories of fantasy and fun.

As far as the Americana theming - don't the children of America deserve to be represented to all the tourists who come to Disneyland from other nations? They have been left out of the "world party" (with the exception of the lone cowboy and Native American "indian" in the final scene) for all this time. Shouldn't we show the pride we have in our nation to others? In the 60's, the average American was not as globally conscious as they are today. Now, more than ever, the world stage is in the forefront. Why not show others how proud we are of our country - and it's history and stories, too?

PS - I always thought it was interestingly appropriate that the cowboy and indian were next to the French can-can girls. American Westerns were extremely popular in France at the turn of the century and wild west shows were always found there. Annie Oakley and several of the popular cowboys were known to tour Europe. That is also the reason for the Wild West stunt show/dinner show that was at Disneyland Paris when it opened.

Extremely well said nancy! ITA!

 

[Judy from Boise]

this is also what I believe but was too lazy to type.

 

[Sherry E]

Yes the movie was made well after the ride, same with Pirates. But my point was that IMO the characters are Disney characters simply because they are IN Disneyland.

I totally agree with you, Kerri, and with Nancy, etc. The characters in HM and POTC (minus the POTC movie people) ARE Disney characters, as are the children/dolls in IASW. They just aren't the original Disney characters, but Disney characters they absolutely are! And since it does appear that the IASW kids are dressed up as the characters, as a PP stated, it is still in keeping with the overall premise of IASW and children of the world. In any case, I think it will be fine. I think the Americana scene will be a great addition (and Nancy was right about everything she said - we deserve to be represented too!), and I hope they still do the wonderful, beautiful holiday overlay in November! (Fingers crossed!)

 

[Disneylvrforever]

But you're incorrect, Madam Leota IS a Disney Character, as are the 3 hitchhiking ghosts. And remember, there is a HM movie.....

Well of course the movie was made years after the ride. And I'm not saying that Leota isn't a Disney character. I was saying that she's not your typical one like Mickey or Goofy and you wouldn't find a kid in a stroller carrying a Leota head.

 

[Teki]

Im really imparital, I understand how people could be angrey, but I also understand the idea, I havnt really decided on an opinion yet.

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

I don't like it because it detracts from the theme, the theme isn't merchandising, it's world peace.
And the fact that the song might possibly change as you pass by the characters? Well that kind of p.o's me.

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

Mostly I think the animals are kind of ugly, especially Stitch.

 

[TheAXIOM]

Mostly I think the animals are kind of ugly, especially Stitch.

Well the reason that the characters will look like that is because the Disney characters are supposed to be envisioned as toys built by the natives, right?

I think it's cute in a tinkering sorta way

 

[disneyL0VE]

Good job, brother (OP). You made a "sensitive" thread here! HAHA JK.

Mostly I think the animals are kind of ugly, especially Stitch.

I think that's cute !
My brother made a good point about being built by natives.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Well the reason that the characters will look like that is because the Disney characters are supposed to be envisioned as toys built by the natives, right?...

I have never heard that explanation. My understanding is that the Disney characters are placed in their "natural" settings. So, no, I don't think Stitch is supposed to be a toy, I think he is supposed to be surfing in Hawaii with the hula girls.

They all look that style, or at least they do at HKDL as can be seen from this picture.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Someone mentioned the toy theme here on this thread...dont know if it was proven to be true or not. Either way...it's cute and it's in and we all will live

 

[pixiewings71]

Well of course the movie was made years after the ride. And I'm not saying that Leota isn't a Disney character. I was saying that she's not your typical one like Mickey or Goofy and you wouldn't find a kid in a stroller carrying a Leota head.

Huh, I wouldn't say that either, you've obviously never met my kids. LOL And yes, they are typical kids but they love love love Leota so I'm sure if they saw a toy they'd have to have it. LOL

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Someone mentioned the toy theme here on this thread...dont know if it was proven to be true or not. Either way...it's cute and it's in and we all will live

The art style for many of them (the animal ones) is indeed toy-like - just as all of the other animals are that have been there from the start. You can definitely say that the leopard in the beloved rainforest sequence doesn't look real - look at his fur and heart shaped spots!!!! My favorite Hippo in Africa is certainly the same. How many children's plush toys out there that are not realistic, but the children immediately recognize them for their true nature?

BTW - I have this from a friend in the right place (not some random Disney blogger).

The IASW children dressed as Disney characters is the representation of all children in the world who do dress up like them every day - they are placed in the country of their story's native origin. For example, since the photo was submitted for commentary, Cinderella takes place in France. Always has in all of the traditional, non-Disney versions. Many of those original tales originate in Europe, especially Germany and France.

I guess I just can't see why everyone is so gung ho to say this is just for marketing or making more merchandise. I firmly believe that with as many people hate that ride for the song, that they will sell any more merchandise based on the modifications. That gives them too much credit. With the trend toward globalization of the Disney Parks product lines, and not manufacturing too many "specific" items anymore, there will be some pins, maybe a commenorative opening thing, a couple collector items, and that'll be about it. The current product line is a blanket, a toy boat for the bathtub, a mug, and I think that may be about it. Oh, and the WDCC pieces. Heap big marketing.

My girls were so sad today when the saw it was closed. They can't wait for February!!!!! They will love it no matter what!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Am I only one giggling when a poster says they are very angry because they tinkered with the world peace theme.. just saying

 

[kikiq]

Am I only one giggling when a poster says they are very angry because they tinkered with the world peace theme.. just saying

I did smile a little, what I didn't understand the "changing the song" reference. A close friend who went to Disneyland Hong Kong said in THAT IASW, the song does change languages in different parts. All the pics we have in this thread come from Hong Kong and yes the languages change but not the song. She had to ride it several times to find all the additions to the ride.

 

[Sherry E]

The current product line is a blanket, a toy boat for the bathtub, a mug, and I think that may be about it. Oh, and the WDCC pieces. Heap big marketing.

My girls were so sad today when the saw it was closed. They can't wait for February!!!!! They will love it no matter what!

And don't forget the mini-snowglobe! There is an adorable mini-IASW snowglobe sold around DLR. Actually there used to be a fantastic regular-sized IASW snowglobe back in the '90s, which my friend gave to her dad....and it promptly broke in the 1994 Northridge quake, and was never sold at DLR again.