Chocolate frog in an Imagineer's office?

[jed012788]

So the official Walt Disney World Twitter account posted a link to this video, which shows off some of the new Fantasyland costumes. Whatever.

It includes an interview with an Imagineer named Chris Beatty. Behind him on the shelf in his office, you can clearly see a chocolate frog box from the Wizarding World. It's right there, in plain sight between a jar of candy and a miniature football helmet.

Just thought it was hilarious. I doubt you'd ever see a pair of Mickey ears in a video put out by Universal.

 

[maryszhi]

hehe thats hilarious.

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

I think it is good, shows that they are "average Joes" just like all of us and can enjoy a competitors product.

 

[Mr_Incredible]

Maybe he thought his invisibility cloak was drapped over that part of the shelf?

 

[tirian]

Why shouldn't he admire it? The merchandise in WWOHP is better than anything Disney has done in Florida for years.

 

[invader]

The jars of candy next to the frog is from Honeydukes too! LOL. Fail.

 

[ShookieJones]

Ehhh.. I don't know -comparing it to mouse ears is a little bit extreme. I don't think it's statement about admiring what Universal has produced in relation to HP. In my opinion it's about being a Harry Potter fan in general more than anything else. The idea of the chocolate frog was around well before Universal ever thought about actually bringing it to life.

 

[Bairstow]

You used to see all kinds of crazy things on the animators' desks when the MGM Animation Tour was open.
Giant anime robots and Transformers were a favorite.

 

[Timekeeper]

Mark Woodbury keeps a broken yeti on his desk.

 

[TubaGeek]

Not a big deal. Why shouldn't they appreciate the competition?

 

[menamechris]

I am sure tons of Imagineers would LOVE to be working for Universal right now. Just sayin...

 

[Zummi Gummi]

"Hi, you've reached the voice mail of Imagineer Chris Beatty. I'm out of the office right now, probably enjoying the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the park up the road. Leave me a message and I'll get back to you when I return."

 

[MarkTwain]

I don't blame anybody for being a Harry Potter fan... even Imagineers.

 

[Texas84]

Didn't the Jurassic Park ride have Mouse Ears in the water?

 

[Bob Saget]

Imagineers are much bigger, mature people than their fan base. Glad they can open-mindedly accept that there is good in their competitors.

 

[lazyboy97o]

While fans like to draw lines in the sand and think of the various parks in heated competition, this is not the case, especially amongst the people who design and build the experiences. They are a small bunch and often wok together. They move from job to job, appreciating themed entertainment on a grander scale, not limited by perceived rivalries.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Didn't the Jurassic Park ride have Mouse Ears in the water?

Yep and also a pair in Twister: Ride it Out

 

[hollywoodj]

Unlike Universal, most Disney cast members have positive views of the competition. We're even taught to help guests who need assistance getting to those parks, if they so desire.

 

[bubbles1812]

Unlike Universal, most Disney cast members have positive views of the competition. We're even taught to help guests who need assistance getting to those parks, if they so desire.

Could you elaborate on this a little more? Every Universal cast member I've ever talked to didn't seem negative about Disney. And I'm guessing the concierge/staff at Universal would do the same if so asked...it's just that less people obviously, at least at this time, stay on Universal property so it's much less likely they encounter people asking for assistance to Disney. But speaking from my own personal experience, we found the Universal people quite helpful in facilitating our transfer from the Hard Rock to Beach Club. Not saying everyone is like that but that goes for either WDW or Universal.

 

[lilclerk]

Could you elaborate on this a little more? Every Universal cast member I've ever talked to didn't seem negative about Disney.

I bought a Butterbeer with my Disney Visa with the castle on it, and the team member scoffed and said "Our castle is better." He was clearly kidding around with me, but other people might have taken it differently.