WDW-Still the same PRISON as 20 years ago?

[Robo]

from Kansas City Star (Major Daily Newspaper)
Tue. June 30, 1992

George Gurley was a regular columnist for the KC Star.

(Reprinted verbatim: for editorial comment)

The colors are added by me to note the sections about the parks. etc.
---------------------------------------

Disney's Prison of Paradise
-by George Gurley
June 30, 1992


When Americans go on a
pilgrimage, they don’t go to
Canterbury, Mecca or Rome.
They go to Disney World.

lt wasn`t something we really
wanted to do, but we felt it was
something we ought to do, like
going to church. In fact, it
turned out to be a religious
experience of sorts.

When we checked in at the
Disney hotel, the clerk seemed
to know all about us.

"l see this is your wedding
anniversary,” he said. How did
he know? Was the Disney
organization omniscient?

Members of the staff seemed
unnaturally happy and devoted
to their employer.

"The Disney name carries a
lot of pixie dust,” crowed the
angelic-looking bellboy. He was
astonished to lear lthat we
planned only a two-day stay.

"You can’t even scratch the
surface in two days," he cried.
Shame and a sense of guilt
flooded our consciences.

We marveled at the perfection
of Disney World, the attention
to detail (hippo ballerina topiary,
breakfast watermelon cut
into mouse ears), the way
everything worked without
visible supervision.

It seemed as if the terrestrial
rules of disorder and decay had
been suspended there. We had
the illusion of having entered
some-sort of paradise.

Behind the goofy spectacles
and impeccable facades, though,
computers were whirring and
shrewd managers were fine-
tuning the immense machine to
maximize profits. And there was
an oppressive aspect to this
paradise, which it may share
with the ultimate one.
lt was a kind of prison.

Seized by an attack of
claustrophobia and ennui
during an inane performance of
‘The Enchanted TIki Birds,"
I sought escape through the door
marked “Exit."

It was locked. l feigned an
attack of illness but a militant,
uniformed sentry coldly
informed me that l would not be
let out until the show was over.

Entrance into the Disney
version of paradise subtly
undermines individuality and will.
Everything has been planned,
nothing left to chance. The
inmates are not required to
think. At spots designated
“Pictrue Spot,” they dutifully take
photos.

A mysterious current propels
the river of-humanity. Pilgrims
gather like driftwood in eddies.
Obediently they wait in line. An
individual would be conspicuous,
a heretic, who appeared to
be not having fun.
Entertainment has become
our secular religion, and Disney
World has the character of a
national cathedral. There’s
something about its
confectionary, feel·good ritual--
fireworks, parades. hoopla with
out a context -- that leaves the
spirit unsatisfied.

Still, l’m not certain how
much the Disney pilgrimage
differs from others. The
traditional destinations for
pilgrimages have been tourist
attractions and commercial
enterprises also.

You must have a fat purse to
enter Disney’s gates. A T-shirt I
saw there made the point in an
oblique way.
"Will work for sex," read its
tasteless mockery of the
homeless.

The standard argument against
the Disney vision is that it
isn`t real, that it promotes man’s
already dangerous alienation
from nature. Having made the
pilgrimage, l’m not sure about
the Disney-reality schism either.

l stood apart for a moment
and before long children were
scrutinizing me as if they
mistook me for one of the cast
--Sourpuss McDuck, perhaps.

Though we take ourselves
seriously and insist on the
illusion of our individuality,
aren`t we also cartoon
characters in a vast theme park?
Doesn`t it seem as if we’re being
manipulated for the amusement
oaf remote audience with a
bizarre sense of humor?

 

[goofyernmost]

My what a cheery person old George seems to be. I'll bet a joy to travel with!

 

[mommystieg]

Geez - that guy is Captain Fun-Sucker.

 

[Robo]

One of the big problems with this little hate-piece is that the author manufactured (some might say "LIED about") a situation.

Seized by an attack of
claustrophobia and ennui
during an inane performance of
‘The Enchanted TIki Birds,"
I sought escape through the door
marked “Exit."

It was locked. l feigned an
attack of illness but a militant,
uniformed sentry coldly
informed me that l would not be
let out until the show was over.

There is no WDW attraction that takes place inside a theater room that would have locked exit doors.
Nor would a CM inform an ill guest that they could not exit.

This kind of invented "horror story" makes the whole piece stink of
fabrication.

 

[bizeemom4]

Other than the part about not being allowed out of Tiki Birds, I don't find myself disagreeing with the author.

I am not so far gone in my adoration for the Mouse House that I fail to realize that we are all being enticed, manipulated and pillaged while being invited to be their guest. For many families, this is their mecca and the benchmark to which all other vacations are measured.

Thanks for posting this, Robo!

 

[goofyernmost]

One of the big problems with this little hate-piece is that the author manufactured (some might say "LIED about") a situation.



There is no WDW attraction that takes place inside a theater room that would have locked exit doors.
Nor would a CM inform an ill guest that they could not exit.

This kind of invented "horror story" makes the whole piece stink of
fabrication.

Absolute truth in what you say, Robo! I noticed that as well and was going to mention it but forgot (old age). I'll bet with a little research one would find his name on Sea Worlds Payroll or Universals.

 

[Robo]

Other than the part about not being allowed out of Tiki Birds, I don't find myself disagreeing with the author.

So you're fine with WDW being considered (or compared to) a prison?

 

[mommystieg]

If WDW is a prison, how do I get a life sentence

 

[goofyernmost]

Other than the part about not being allowed out of Tiki Birds, I don't find myself disagreeing with the author.

I am not so far gone in my adoration for the Mouse House that I fail to realize that we are all being enticed, manipulated and pillaged while being invited to be their guest. For many families, this is their mecca and the benchmark to which all other vacations are measured.

Thanks for posting this, Robo!

Funny...but isn't that the same thing that happens to you when you go to a store, buy a car, buy a house, stop for ice cream, get fancy uniforms for your kids sports team, watch TV or do anything else that in some form or the other requires you to pay money for something in return?

Disney does all those things but it gives you a great deal in return for the money you spend. I'm not sure why the author decided that it compared to a Prison, unless he was referring to the lie about the Tiki Room, but I don't remember anyone ever stopping me from leaving and going home when I wanted too. I think he probably could use some serious cell time and I think he would not have used that comparison.

 

[bizeemom4]

I agree with the philosophy of the article in which the author is stating that trips to WDW are held in the same regard that trips that other religions make to worship their God(s). Instead of a religious base and purpose to the trip, the author felt that the experience was a facade of artificially happy people there to provide support of a product being meticulously micromanaged behind the scenes.

I don't consider WDW a prison; however, those of us that don't travel with vehicles are pretty much a captive consumer. The hurdles to escape the Mouse simply to eat or shop elsewhere requires $ and time.

That's all. Not bashing WDW or the author. Just saying that I can see where he was coming from.

 

[LazyDaisy]

I would much rather visit Disney and marvel in the enchanted superficiality of it than go anywhere else. I have been other places. All around Europe, the Carribean, Hawaii, Alaska, in most of the 50 states. My husband has been around Africa and Asia. Nothing compares to Disney for us, still. I get that it's superficial. I get that it's cheesy. I love how it's done well. I love the details.

The world can be a harsh place. Disney is not religion for me, not by a long shot, but it's my "happy place". We are a military family who constantly faces the whole reality of war and its aftermath. We also have some horrible illnesses in our family. And we've lived through more than one natural disaster. We're well aware that the world is difficult. Our times at Disney are our little refuge into ignorance. Ever notice how many sick people go to Disney? It's not like they think they're going to get cured. They're going because it's a happy place.

I would rather go ride on the Mexican Donald ride than visit Mexico at this point. (In fact, I've been to the real place about three times before.) I wouldn't want to travel to Mexico right now with my young kids. The violence in many places there is horrible - even in tourist spots. I'm completely aware that the Mexico of the Epcot pavilion is not "real" - but I prefer that. It shows the good things that it COULD be if everyone just cut out the fighting. I'd rather look at the good in humanity rather than the bad. I think Disney's trying to focus on that. (Illuminations, etc.)

Oh, fwiw... when you're traveling abroad, unless you're really fanatical, you'll be doing so as a plain old tourist. And being a tourist means a certain prisoner attitude as well. Yes, you can travel off the beaten path if you want, but generally you're going to be sight seeing, or hanging out with a tour group, or just basically limited by where your hotel, etc. is. Unless you know the local language, that will limit you as well. You can explore on your own, but do so at your own risk. You might get taken advantage of easily if you're just a visitor to that country. You might luck out and have a grand old time... But it's not guaranteed.

As the kids get older I hope to take more Disney vacations abroad instead of just going to Disney World. But I'm well aware that even that will be a sanitized version of the countries being visited. Meh. I'll take it. To each their own.

And if you think Disney is something to be endured instead of enjoyed... please just stay home. I'd much rather go with the other folk who LOVE the place. I always cringe a little when I see sulky families trudging around and sighing and complaining about the food or whatever, or saying the rides are lame. If you don't like it, don't make the lines longer for those of us who can't get enough.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

This article makes me sad for those of us who see Disney World through Walt's eyes- a place of joy and laughter for everyone who is privelaged enough to be able to go there. I am glad that Walt cannot see this today, because I can only imagine how it would make him feel. What a sad individual.

 

[Robo]

The writer obviously found nothing at WDW of entertainment value or personal enjoyment.

He fancies himself smarter than those who find pleasure in the place...
because he "knows" that someone (lots of "someones," actually) worked hard to "create it,"
therefore it can't be real, or should it be appreciated, even on the surface level.

He won't be taken in by the machinations of these "manipulators."

WDW must only be studied and dissected from an intellectual distance.



.

 

[Artoo]

If WDW is a prison, how do I get a life sentence

I was wondering the same thing when I saw the title!

 

[Sparkly]

I guess I'll go pool hopping, returning on fastpasses later then the specified time and taking up tables with no food to try and get a life sentence at the Disney prison Being imprisoned at Disney sounds good to me!

But seriously. I would never want to go travelling with that guy, he sounds so boring and self righteous.

 

[Ilivetogo]

from Kansas City Star (Major Daily Newspaper)
Tue. June 30, 1992

George Gurley was a regular columnist for the KC Star.

(Reprinted verbatim: for editorial comment)

The colors are added by me to note the sections about the parks. etc.
---------------------------------------

Disney's Prison of Paradise
-by George Gurley
June 30, 1992


When Americans go on a
pilgrimage, they don’t go to
Canterbury, Mecca or Rome.
They go to Disney World.

lt wasn`t something we really
wanted to do, but we felt it was
something we ought to do, like
going to church. In fact, it
turned out to be a religious
experience of sorts.

When we checked in at the
Disney hotel, the clerk seemed
to know all about us.

"l see this is your wedding
anniversary,” he said. How did
he know? Was the Disney
organization omniscient?

Members of the staff seemed
unnaturally happy and devoted
to their employer.

"The Disney name carries a
lot of pixie dust,” crowed the
angelic-looking bellboy. He was
astonished to lear lthat we
planned only a two-day stay.

"You can’t even scratch the
surface in two days," he cried.
Shame and a sense of guilt
flooded our consciences.

We marveled at the perfection
of Disney World, the attention
to detail (hippo ballerina topiary,
breakfast watermelon cut
into mouse ears), the way
everything worked without
visible supervision.

It seemed as if the terrestrial
rules of disorder and decay had
been suspended there. We had
the illusion of having entered
some-sort of paradise.

Behind the goofy spectacles
and impeccable facades, though,
computers were whirring and
shrewd managers were fine-
tuning the immense machine to
maximize profits. And there was
an oppressive aspect to this
paradise, which it may share
with the ultimate one.
lt was a kind of prison.

Seized by an attack of
claustrophobia and ennui
during an inane performance of
‘The Enchanted TIki Birds,"
I sought escape through the door
marked “Exit."

It was locked. l feigned an
attack of illness but a militant,
uniformed sentry coldly
informed me that l would not be
let out until the show was over.

Entrance into the Disney
version of paradise subtly
undermines individuality and will.
Everything has been planned,
nothing left to chance. The
inmates are not required to
think. At spots designated
“Pictrue Spot,” they dutifully take
photos.

A mysterious current propels
the river of-humanity. Pilgrims
gather like driftwood in eddies.
Obediently they wait in line. An
individual would be conspicuous,
a heretic, who appeared to
be not having fun.
Entertainment has become
our secular religion, and Disney
World has the character of a
national cathedral. There’s
something about its
confectionary, feel·good ritual--
fireworks, parades. hoopla with
out a context -- that leaves the
spirit unsatisfied.

Still, l’m not certain how
much the Disney pilgrimage
differs from others. The
traditional destinations for
pilgrimages have been tourist
attractions and commercial
enterprises also.

You must have a fat purse to
enter Disney’s gates. A T-shirt I
saw there made the point in an
oblique way.
"Will work for sex," read its
tasteless mockery of the
homeless.

The standard argument against
the Disney vision is that it
isn`t real, that it promotes man’s
already dangerous alienation
from nature. Having made the
pilgrimage, l’m not sure about
the Disney-reality schism either.

l stood apart for a moment
and before long children were
scrutinizing me as if they
mistook me for one of the cast
--Sourpuss McDuck, perhaps.

Though we take ourselves
seriously and insist on the
illusion of our individuality,
aren`t we also cartoon
characters in a vast theme park?
Doesn`t it seem as if we’re being
manipulated for the amusement
oaf remote audience with a
bizarre sense of humor?

Hopefully this means he won't be going back.

.

 

[tzeitel]

---------------------------------------


You must have a fat purse to
enter Disney’s gates. A T-shirt I
saw there made the point in an
oblique way.
"Will work for sex," read its
tasteless mockery of the
homeless.


Where in the World would you have EVER found this shirt?

 

[Nomad70]

I thought it was pretty funny myself. WDW is our Happy Place, but I am not beyond seeing the humor in this. Even if he was trying to be cruel with his snide remarks and untruths. Heck, people say cruel untrue things about those serving in the military (my husband has 20+ years in the army), many without first hand knowledge, but I can laugh it off. I know my husband is not uneducated (he has a Masters), nor are we even close to being poor. lol It just shows ignorance really, and this guy did make it seem a bit humorous to me.

 

[summerbelongstoyou]

I guess I'll go pool hopping, returning on fastpasses later then the specified time and taking up tables with no food to try and get a life sentence at the Disney prison Being imprisoned at Disney sounds good to me!

But seriously. I would never want to go travelling with that guy, he sounds so boring and self righteous.

How did you get your name like that?

 

[summerbelongstoyou]

from Kansas City Star (Major Daily Newspaper)
Tue. June 30, 1992

George Gurley was a regular columnist for the KC Star.

(Reprinted verbatim: for editorial comment)

The colors are added by me to note the sections about the parks. etc.
---------------------------------------

Disney's Prison of Paradise
-by George Gurley
June 30, 1992


When Americans go on a
pilgrimage, they don’t go to
Canterbury, Mecca or Rome.
They go to Disney World.

lt wasn`t something we really
wanted to do, but we felt it was
something we ought to do, like
going to church. In fact, it
turned out to be a religious
experience of sorts.

When we checked in at the
Disney hotel, the clerk seemed
to know all about us.

"l see this is your wedding
anniversary,” he said. How did
he know? Was the Disney
organization omniscient?

Members of the staff seemed
unnaturally happy and devoted
to their employer.

"The Disney name carries a
lot of pixie dust,” crowed the
angelic-looking bellboy. He was
astonished to lear lthat we
planned only a two-day stay.

"You can’t even scratch the
surface in two days," he cried.
Shame and a sense of guilt
flooded our consciences.

We marveled at the perfection
of Disney World, the attention
to detail (hippo ballerina topiary,
breakfast watermelon cut
into mouse ears), the way
everything worked without
visible supervision.

It seemed as if the terrestrial
rules of disorder and decay had
been suspended there. We had
the illusion of having entered
some-sort of paradise.

Behind the goofy spectacles
and impeccable facades, though,
computers were whirring and
shrewd managers were fine-
tuning the immense machine to
maximize profits. And there was
an oppressive aspect to this
paradise, which it may share
with the ultimate one.
lt was a kind of prison.

Seized by an attack of
claustrophobia and ennui
during an inane performance of
‘The Enchanted TIki Birds,"
I sought escape through the door
marked “Exit."

It was locked. l feigned an
attack of illness but a militant,
uniformed sentry coldly
informed me that l would not be
let out until the show was over.

Entrance into the Disney
version of paradise subtly
undermines individuality and will.
Everything has been planned,
nothing left to chance. The
inmates are not required to
think. At spots designated
“Pictrue Spot,” they dutifully take
photos.

A mysterious current propels
the river of-humanity. Pilgrims
gather like driftwood in eddies.
Obediently they wait in line. An
individual would be conspicuous,
a heretic, who appeared to
be not having fun.
Entertainment has become
our secular religion, and Disney
World has the character of a
national cathedral. There’s
something about its
confectionary, feel·good ritual--
fireworks, parades. hoopla with
out a context -- that leaves the
spirit unsatisfied.

Still, l’m not certain how
much the Disney pilgrimage
differs from others. The
traditional destinations for
pilgrimages have been tourist
attractions and commercial
enterprises also.

You must have a fat purse to
enter Disney’s gates. A T-shirt I
saw there made the point in an
oblique way.
"Will work for sex," read its
tasteless mockery of the
homeless.

The standard argument against
the Disney vision is that it
isn`t real, that it promotes man’s
already dangerous alienation
from nature. Having made the
pilgrimage, l’m not sure about
the Disney-reality schism either.

l stood apart for a moment
and before long children were
scrutinizing me as if they
mistook me for one of the cast
--Sourpuss McDuck, perhaps.

Though we take ourselves
seriously and insist on the
illusion of our individuality,
aren`t we also cartoon
characters in a vast theme park?
Doesn`t it seem as if we’re being
manipulated for the amusement
oaf remote audience with a
bizarre sense of humor?

First of all, its SCROOGE Mcduck. Second of all, he just made all of this stuff up. None of this stuff is True. If this guy really hates Disney...... He's crazy! I would be ok with being locked up in Disney.