Oh? Then why are they making more than just "G" rated films? I remember when Disney only made "G" rated movies,,,not anymore. Not to add drinking in the parks. and WAY back when the park (
Disneyland) first opened they wouldnt let long hair freaky people with tatoos in the parks.
Yes, you have made valid points.
However, Disney's core demographic lies with the younger audience (children) -- alienating this group could cost Disney in the licensing of Disney brand toys, clothing, food, school supplies, electronics, games, furniture, and countless 'other' goods -- that are otherwise just ordinary mass produced products but once the Disney name is bestowed upon them, they are deemed 'valuable' and 'profitable'. I don't think Disney will risk the possibility of confusing it's core audience who identify with the brand and purchase their products based solely on the Disney name alone.
Disney also risks losing it's sponorship dollars -- sponsors wont hesitate to pull out of an agreement if Disney violates certain clauses that require them to maintain a specific family friendly image or if they deliberately deviate from the 'core values' used to develop the Disney culture and brand.
Here is an excerpt from the article you posted:
Disney has always opposed efforts to expand gambling.
The Walt Disney Co., one of the most brand-protective companies on the planet, does not want to jeopardize its kid-friendly reputation by any association whatsoever with casinos and the taboo images they often conjure. The company's cruise line is the only major operator to sail ships without onboard casinos, which are typically one of the biggest generators of on-board spending.
"We've studied this issue carefully and remain opposed for many reasons," said Disney spokesman Mike Griffin, "including the fact that it is inconsistent with Florida's brand as a family-friendly destination and with the efforts we've long supported to diversify Florida's economy through research, innovation and entrepreneurship."
This pretty much sums it up.
Remember, there was a time (just over a decade) when Las Vegas casinos spent millions attempting to market themselves specifically to families as the next 'Disney World' of the new millennium. Well, families weren't as dumb as the casinos thought and they were not spending (gambling) either. It wasn't long before Vegas abandoned their child friendly shows and marketing campaigns and went back to their roots (burlesque and more 'risque' adult oriented entertainment) and marketed to 'adults only' with the
"What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas" tourism slogan.
Circus Circus has an impressive 'indoor' amusement park.
New York New York has a huge coaster and kind of reminds me of HS.
Treasure Island reminds me of POTC.
Stratosphere has some serious thrill rides up top.
Mandalay Bay's pool looks like Typhoon Lagoon
Mandalay Bay's aquarium reminds me of Epcot's Living With The Seas.
The Excalibur Hotel has an eerie resemblance to Disneyland's castle.
Look at the pictures -- Disney has every right to fight this -- they don't want 'this' in their neck of the woods -- as they stand to lose conventions, weddings, international visitors, adults (21 & over) who wish to experience both fun and night life -- and new unsuspecting families -- just by having a location near the beach would be a huge draw for them. Unlike Disney, you know their rooms and counter service food are going to be dirt cheap, price wise.
But that's beside the point, casino's and the nature of how they operate are reaching a critical point. About a year ago, I visited a casino in a major city roughly about an hour from where I reside. I only play the slot machines -- so I was very disappointed to see that all of the slot machines no longer distribute quarters or coins -- it's just all credits and push button. The slots resemble the cross between an ATM and video game. It felt like I was in a huge arcade filled with automatons just sitting there aimlessly pushing buttons with their eyes locked on the computer screens. I also noticed a huge expansion in digital poker.
This led me to form the opinion that the casinos are 'training' and 'conditioning' gamblers (novice and experienced alike) for what is to come -- and that is the legalization of digital online gaming. The world's largest casino giant Caesars Entertainment is already in position to monopolize and seize the opportunity should legalization occur. "They" are already quietly lobbying in Washington D.C. and the biggest hurdle to jump would be with the Department of Justice who is their largest and most vocal opponent.
Don't think for a moment it can't happen, I never thought I would see a legal marijuana shop either. The fact is states are growing more and more
desperate for other sources of tax revenue, so this is a real possibility and something to think about.
Walt's ideas were far different from what is now WDW in soooo many ways!
