Why Is Millionaire Closing?

[Viki]

My partner and I love this show; it's the smartest and most interactive show on property, one of the major attractions for DVC and AP holders like us.

 

[ShelbyR]

Don't be so hard on Sounds Dangerous. It's too bad the theatre is now decrepit, but my 9 year old loved it and it does have more entertainment value than some attractions. We took the Friendship boat over from Epcot one day *just* so she could do it again!

 

[TheDoctor]

My partner and I love this show; it's the smartest and most interactive show on property, one of the major attractions for DVC and AP holders like us.

I agree. This attraction is one of the reasons why I usually make a couple of short trips to WDW so as to get around the thirty day rule.

 

[dlarkin12]

its ran its course. now its time for some new disney fun.

 

[RSoxFan]

I saw the show twice over this past week and it was jammed both times. People were turned away both times. I don't understand why they're closing it either. Get rid of Sounds Dangerous and you have that theater plus the old Superstar Theater that's been sitting empty for so many years. That's a lot of space.

 

[Red Sox Idiot]

I think its time for it to be closed and bring on the new attraction.... I have seen people on here saying that MGM does not have enough rides well Disney is trying to accomadate the people who say that by bringing a new ride to MGM.... The show is nowhere near as popular as it used to be so I say Goodbye Millionaire youve had a nice run but its time for something new!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

Just playing devil's advocate...but if Millionaire has run its course, why not Drew Carey? Unless I've missed something - or unless it's because Whose Line Is It Anyway is still showing in reruns - he hasn't really done much recently, has he?

 

[Red Sox Idiot]

Just playing devil's advocate...but if Millionaire has run its course, why not Drew Carey? Unless I've missed something - or unless it's because Whose Line Is It Anyway is still showing in reruns - he hasn't really done much recently, has he?

I think someone has said somewhere the reason they dont get rid of Sounds Dangerous is because it is a low budget attraction...

 

[salmoneous]

ABC and Disney are the same company. I do not think that this is the reason.

Remember that ABC is just the network that airs Millionare. The show is owned by a British production company called Celador. (Just posted as an FYI - I haven't a clue if this has anything to do with the WDW attraction closing.)

 

[Robo]

I think someone has said somewhere the reason they dont get rid of Sounds Dangerous is because it is a low budget attraction...

Yes, SD is likely one of the lowest-operating-cost attractions in all of WDW.

Requires 1 to 2 CM's (could easily be "newbies") and a small theater space.
Virtually no "moving parts" to break down on the digital playback system.
(A bit of occasional maintenance for the video projection.)
The "biggest" on-going maintenance expense here would be in replacing headphones on which the cords have been torn loose by kids and careless guests.

WWtBaMI -
In addition to the "cost" of the prizes.

The show requires a full, trained/experienced TV crew and a specifically-cast-for-the-position, host/personality... all of whom must have fill-ins for vacations and days-off.

This is one of the big reasons "Superstar TV" closed years ago.
HUGE number of specialized CMs were needed to staff it.

 

[WDWguru]

I'm sure expense does factor into it. You have to remember that equity cast members - those that have special skill sets or are on stage (ie the entire technical staff and "on camera" host of the show) are very expensive. They are guaranteed a higher pay rate and benefits that other CMs don't get. Compared to other attractions, Millionaire seems to have a lot more equity CMs, which would make it more expensive to operate.

That said, I'm sad to see it go.

 

[TheDoctor]

I was there over easter and the show had very good attendance at most of the shows that I attended. A couple shows were almost completely full and the rest 80% full (other than the one show during the lunch hour which was 60% full).

The attraction is not new but it is unique at WDW. It is my favorite attraction. It is the only attraction were you can compete against your fellow guests.

Any new attraction may be nice but it will be just one ride among numerous other rides while WWTBAM-PI is or was unique.

 

[-Heavens-Gliss-]

This is just a rumor but I heard it had closed down because they were making room for a new attraction. But its just a rumor so I am not completly sure.

 

[CarlaKay]

I will be sad to see this attraction close. My son and other family members have been on the hot seat several times. The attraction really gives you the feel of what a game show is like

 

[Silvite]

This never made sense to me. There are attractions that everyone badmouths. They could get rid of that hideous Narnia thing or Sounds Dangerous instead. My favorite 'show' is One Man's Dream.

I LOVE the Narnia set!