World Showcase Culture

[Planogirl]

I'm like a moth to a flame...

I'm one who says that a fake land shouldn't replace a real place. I believe in theming. That is one strong element of what sets a true theme park apart from amusement parks. If you ignore theming and just put everything anywhere then you are like any park even if many of your rides are individually nicer.

I also adore Norway. I realize that many of you prefer Arendelle to Norway and probably even think of Arendelle as more "real" somehow but I personally love the true Norway. It's as bizarre to think that that is somehow strange as for me to maybe think that it's strange that grownups can be so smitten with cartoon characters.

Finally, it's really not about Frozen. Frozen should be a major element but not in this way. This is really more about Disney selling out and going for the easy money. I really don't care if they are doing this to make money because I don't own any of their stock so it doesn't matter. What matters to me is whether I find any of it a good value for my family and Epcot doesn't fit that parameter. This was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for us and if others don't agree and want to tell me how wrong I am then they can pay our admission.

 

[mvk]

I'm like a moth to a flame...

I'm one who says that a fake land shouldn't replace a real place. I believe in theming. That is one strong element of what sets a true theme park apart from amusement parks. If you ignore theming and just put everything anywhere then you are like any park even if many of your rides are individually nicer.

I also adore Norway. I realize that many of you prefer Arendelle to Norway and probably even think of Arendelle as more "real" somehow but I personally love the true Norway. It's as bizarre to think that that is somehow strange as for me to maybe think that it's strange that grownups can be so smitten with cartoon characters.

Finally, it's really not about Frozen. Frozen should be a major element but not in this way. This is really more about Disney selling out and going for the easy money. I really don't care if they are doing this to make money because I don't own any of their stock so it doesn't matter. What matters to me is whether I find any of it a good value for my family and Epcot doesn't fit that parameter. This was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for us and if others don't agree and want to tell me how wrong I am then they can pay our admission.

The entire area of Arendelle was based on Norway (and Norway architecture), just like the Norway Pavilion was based off of Norway (and Norway architecture). I really don't see the difference, it just seems like its something for the usual suspects to complain about.

 

[Planogirl]

The entire area of Arendelle was based on Norway (and Norway architecture), just like the Norway Pavilion was based off of Norway (and Norway architecture). I really don't see the difference, it just seems like its something for the usual suspects to complain about.

And I'll counter by saying that it sounds bizarre to say that Norway was based on Norway (you think?) and I can also add that the usual suspects are right here defending Disney at any cost.

I see no other reason to comment.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The entire area of Arendelle was based on Norway (and Norway architecture), just like the Norway Pavilion was based off of Norway (and Norway architecture). I really don't see the difference, it just seems like its something for the usual suspects to complain about.

Because EPCOT was about LEARNING... And at least Norway is real...if draped in Disney sensationalization...is REAL.

A fictitious princess world is not.
In fact...the magic kingdom is the only park in Florida that is Not supposed to be based in fact...

Even studios...a window into how we create fun.

 

[jcnewton]

The entire area of Arendelle was based on Norway (and Norway architecture), just like the Norway Pavilion was based off of Norway (and Norway architecture). I really don't see the difference, it just seems like its something for the usual suspects to complain about.

I'm not sure how you can't see the difference between real culture (although, Disneyfied) and fake culture. Tangled is based off a German tale (Rapunzel), but they didn't remove Biergarten to accommodate it's popularity. In fact, they barely touched that property...but they did put it in Fantasyland, where it makes sense.

 

[manning]

I looked at sweaters in Norway and England. They were made in.....China

 

[Planogirl]

I looked at sweaters in Norway and England. They were made in.....China

So is most everything everywhere nowadays.

 

[kbelle8995]

I looked at sweaters in Norway and England. They were made in.....China

So is most of Disney merchandise.

The kids are bored. There is a way to make these type of subjects interesting.

Fictional Kingdom in World showcase. Epcot is not MK Part 2. No just NO.

 

[Suger Mag]

... and I can also add that the usual suspects are right here defending Disney at any cost.

I see no other reason to comment.

Why be divisive and dismissive of people who do not agree with you? By that same argument... one could say the usual Debbie Downer suspects are here complaining endlessly about how the WDW of today sucks.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

World Showcase "Culture"? Seriously?

The place is a glorified outdoor mall.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

So is most of Disney merchandise.

The kids are bored. There is a way to make these type of subjects interesting.

Fictional Kingdom in World showcase. Epcot is not MK Part 2. No just NO.

Bingo...

And there no restriction on mom and dads wallets anymore...

And that is a big difference. No limits on frivolous spending...dictated by kids.

The best example is the popularity of the bibbiddi bobbity boutique...$200 for glitter and ribbon with a 5 hour lifespan.
It doesn't matter how much money you want to burn...this just doesn't make sense on any level.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

World Showcase "Culture"? Seriously?

The place is a glorified outdoor mall.

Now it's gonna be one with a bad Paul pressler era Disney store...is that better?

 

[Suger Mag]

Bingo...

And there no restriction on mom and dads wallets anymore...

And that is a big difference. No limits on frivolous spending...dictated by kids.

The best example is the popularity of the bibbiddi bobbity boutique...$200 for glitter and ribbon with a 5 hour lifespan.
It doesn't matter how much money you want to burn...this just doesn't make sense on any level.

LOL... How about a pair of ladies stilleto heels that cost over $1000 and are so uncomfortable you can't wear them for longer than an hour? Or a bottle of wine that costs just as much and also has a lifespan of a single dinner. It is just about as "logical' as the Boutique. People spend mad money on all sorts of things that don't make sense to everyone. As the bottom of your signature says.... May the space being bless the free market.

 

[Suger Mag]

Now it's gonna be one with a bad Paul pressler era Disney store...is that better?

Actually.. for my personal budget, yes it is better. I spend far less money cause I am not interested in schlok.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Actually.. for my personal budget, yes it is better. I spend far less money cause I am not interested in schlok.

But you have to be inconvenienced by running past the schlock

 

[clsteve]

Despite the mode of thinking mentioned above Disney has regrettably decided to take the cheap route (the second but equally critical issue) and go with whatever they decide to do with the Norway Pavilion. This does a disservice to those who like Epcot for what it is and, like it or not, also those who want pure escapism. As stated before there is room for fantasy and cultural experiences at Walt Disney World. What's the problem with keeping those two ideas distinct from one another? If you want to get rid of that distinction then let's take the American Adventure and infuse it with the Headless Horseman because, well, it just fits. After all, that's what it will take to get kids interested in the Revolutionary War.

Sorry Ben and Mark, you need to take a back seat because we don't want kids to be 'bored'.

I just don't get why the pro-Frozen crowd isn't as angry as those who are pro-Norway. They're getting just as short-changed by Disney.

Instead of a new attraction which Frozen arguably deserves, they're getting a refurb of old boat-driven technology being force-fed into the one area of WDW least themed for it

No net new ride and capacity for either group of guests.

If they looked at what was planned for Frozen overseas, they should be furious

 

[DetroitDisney]

So the central argument here seems to be either:

1. The parks shouldnt change

OR

2. The parks shouldnt remove something "cultural" for something "commercial


Lets look at the history of the true Disney story. Disneyland. Walt changed huge segments of the park over and over, removing rides, changing things, and ADAPTING. He embraced corporate sponsorship.

People need to accept that the parks will change. And the fact that probably 9/10 people will be excited for this change.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

LOL... How about a pair of ladies stilleto heels that cost over $1000 and are so uncomfortable you can't wear them for longer than an hour? Or a bottle of wine that costs just as much and also has a lifespan of a single dinner. It is just about as "logical' as the Boutique. People spend mad money on all sorts of things that don't make sense to everyone. As the bottom of your signature says.... May the space being bless the free market.

That's a false equivalency...

And I'm not supporting those things. But those items are not marketed to children... Or really the general public. They are niche for a certain demographic that doesn't have to be sold on them.

They will end up with 5 bibbiddis on property...I have zero doubt ones going into EPCOT
Now...and their existence is a passive marketing campaign...
"Doesn't your princess deserve it?!?" "Once in a lifetime (till your back in 6 months) magical wishes of dreams!!!!"

Come on...give me a touch of credit for Thinking this one out.

 

[Suger Mag]

But you have to be inconvenienced by running past the schlock

I love the psychology of shopping and getting customers to purchase things they don't want or need. Not my area of research, but fascinating all the same. Once you recognize it is all a game... you and your wallet against them and their desire to make you part with your money... it makes it easier to walk by and not buy.

 

[Suger Mag]

That's a false equivalency...

And I'm not supporting those things. But those items are not marketed to children... Or really the general public. They are niche for a certain demographic that doesn't have to be sold on them.

They will end up with 5 bibbiddis on property...I have zero doubt ones going into EPCOT
Now...and their existence is a passive marketing campaign...
"Doesn't your princess deserve it?!?" "Once in a lifetime (till your back in 6 months) magical wishes of dreams!!!!"

Come on...give me a touch of credit for Thinking this one out.

I give you credit. However ... I would argue that my analogy is at its essence the same. Luxury items are constantly marketed to our public and children. Remember the TV show with Robin Leach: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The reality shows that are so popular have made that lifestyle something that is very attractive to our youth. Look at the influence of media on children... especially young girls. They are constantly fed this false expectation of what beauty is... when even the genetic freaks that are models and movie stars are photoshopped into a standard that they do not even posess. It is everywhere.

I honestly don't get your argument, DO you want better gift shops... less gift shops? Not look at gift shops? It really bothers me not if someone wants to Bibbiti Bobbiti... or blow $36 on a plate of pasta. I myself am frugal about those things. But there are always folks who make and spend mad money. My kids know that shopping on sale or second hand means you get more for your money... and If my daugher wants the Bibbiti look (thankfully she does not), I can put her hair in a bun and spray glitter on a tiara from the dollar store...and cook my own pasta.