Some of Epcot's live entertainment groups are being retired

[WDWChloe]

We have a few friends who are heartbroken over the UK's WS Players leaving, and I'M upset about Off Kilter
Charge more, do less. That's the Disney spirit

 

[skier_pete]

But I understand, the News & Rumors board is where everything Disney does or perhaps plans to do is wrong, will fail, and cause them to be taken over by Universal.

This is soooo true.

Look, I get people being upset when a favorite act gets canned from World Showcase. I myself was steamed when PUSH got the hook from Tomorrowland. (And was just as upset years before with the removal of his cousin PIPA from AK.) But c'mon, face the facts that Off Kilter being removed is not even on the radar of 98% of the people entering Epcot. I mean c'mon, I was still running into people last year - at WDW mind you - that didn't know that Pleasure Island closed! Sure, some of them when walking by Canada will say "Didn't there used to be some music act here?", but most could care less.

My own opinion, I like that they have these acts in World Showcase, and I hope they continue to put someone in there, but as far as what they are...well I'm with the average Disney fan in that I can't get a lather up about this.

 

[Planogirl]

We don't actually know what the average Disney fan thinks. We just make a lot of assumptions.

I believe that whether or not you like these acts that they add to the overall ambience of WS. There is now word that there will be very limited entertainment of any kind except during peak periods and that will definitely change the ambience. If some of you are OK with this that's fine but we don't all think the same and frankly I have no idea what other people think.

 

[OK!]

At least someone is listening!!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-off-kilter-fans-epcot-20140904,0,3266626.post

Be sure to leave a comment!

 

[disney1990]

And be sure to join the Save Off Kilter Facebook page - there are email addresses to let Disney know how we feel.

I don't think I would call it "retired". :-(

 

[manning]

Off Kilter doesn't perform everyday. If they want fresh entertainment put other groups on their off days. If I remember, years back the did this. I think it was a country western group.

The bean counters are hard at work. I remember talking to someone who remembers when Chrysler built quality cars. He said the bean counters ran the company into the ground.

 

[OK!]

I'm in the middle on this one.

I'm happy Disney is replacing acts and not just having nothing in WS.

The acts leaving do perform at other venues. If you really like Off Kilter see them perform wherever.

That's the thing--you can't see them perform "wherever" anymore. Disney put the kibosh on that several years ago. It's Epcot or nothing, so soon, it'll be....nothing.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

If Disney does not have them under contract they can play wherever they wish., even if they have to change the name.

That is if they still what to continue as the band, who knows, maybe they are leaving on their own and want to explore new venues and music.

Maybe they are leaving on their own account.

I have read rumors and other opinions, but none saying why they are leaving.........WDW dropping the group or the group dropping Disney.

Personally I like the changes......new blood and shows and we will see what else is added in time.


AKK

 

[mbmart67]

I just moved to Florida 6 weeks ago, and my wife and I immediately purchased annual passes. When we saw the news of shows going away, we wanted to go see them while we had the chance. We visited this past weekend (9/6) and both agree:

1. American Fife and Drum Corps at the America pavillion is decidedly American and belongs in that pavillion, and should stay.
2. Mo' Rockin' was very good and decidedly represenatative of the pavillion where they perform -- Morocco.
3. Off Kilter is a great band and very talented. We enjoyed the shows very much. However, other than maple leaves on some of their shirts, they did not give the vibe of being particularly representative of Canada. In fact, we felt with the bagpipes and kilts, they were more representative of Scotland than Canada.

No judgment here on what Disney is choosing as replacements, as I cannot express an opinion on something I have not seen.

Just my two cents.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

None of these acts are leaving because they want to.

 

[Goofy2015]

This is very dissappointing news. This will probably have an affect on investing Disney's pocketbook from me personally. When I go to Epcot, I go to World Showcase and will drink around the world. The best part about drinking around the world is the entertainment. You take away the entertainment, you are going to cause me to purchase less drinks.

I just don't understand the drastic change. I can understand phasing bands and entertainers out. But getting rid of all of the entertainment in one week is just insane. They are taking away some of the best entertainers. They are taking away music and comedy. Everyone likes music and comedy. The common person could step up to Off Kilter, British Revolution, or the World Showcase Players and still enjoy it. Lumberjacks and flag dancers just sounds terrible. I mean who actually sat down, went to their computer, set up a meeting via outlook, used the brain capacity to think that lumberjacks, flag dancing, traditional celtic music was an actual good idea. This just blows my mind.

The thing that separates Disney from Universal is the overall ambiance, attention to detail, and the service. Slowly Disney is taking that away. This just seems like a reason to lower costs for short term gain, but over looking the long term gain.

 

[GenieCat]

There is a Save Off Kilter Facebook page if anyone is interested.

This probably won't make a difference however. The decision has already been made.

 

[manning]

"Off Kilter" was cancelled by a management team called "Off Rocker"