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Abandoned Areas
- Thread starter WondersOfLife
- Start date
Here's what I think happened:
1. Adam Woo snuck around and made videos in areas that were off limits and probably slightly dangerous. Adrenaline rush.
2. Disney took some form of legal action to show they "took it seriously" and to thus deter other such trespassers.
3. Disney also banned him from the parks, which they have the right to do, and again to deter others.
4. Disney, in actuality, probably doesn't care that much because his vids add another layer of coolness and mystery to the place.
5. However, Disney has now shown that they don't condone trespassers who might break a leg or fall into a pit in unsafe areas.
6. Then, some time later, a chastened Woo is readmitted after stipulating to some type of nastiness to follow if he ever does it again (i.e., a lifetime ban, a bunch of money, etc . . .)
7. All is good, and Woo is no longer breaking the rules, probably.
The bigger debate: Does Disney care? Or does Disney like the buzz from "troublemakers" like Woo?
Yeah, the lawyers and safety people are "very concerned about this serious breach", but I'll bet the marketing people see this as a plus. It's fun, and mysterious, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the place just beyond the tree line. The Jungle Cruise leaves you with the impression that more drum-beating natives are just outside of sight, and dangerous animals will bite your leg off if you go ashore. This is fun, and so is the shaky footage showing cool old attractions with abandoned props, memories, and other amazing secrets just out of sight. They're perfect for keeping adults and teens interested, but not shocking enough to keep kids and the general public away. No, Disney can't condone the Woos of the world who might fall through a rotting stairway; but I bet, off the record, they're applauding the guy.
Meanwhile, if Woo or anyone else gets hurt in these off limit areas, Disney can defend itself by saying, "We posted the signs, we locked the doors, and we seriously punished prior trespassers like Woo." And any injured trespasser's lawyer will have a harder time getting money from Disney after falling through a trap door at River Country. After all, Disney did everything they reasonably could to avert such trespassing, including punishing he who went there before.
1. Adam Woo snuck around and made videos in areas that were off limits and probably slightly dangerous. Adrenaline rush.
2. Disney took some form of legal action to show they "took it seriously" and to thus deter other such trespassers.
3. Disney also banned him from the parks, which they have the right to do, and again to deter others.
4. Disney, in actuality, probably doesn't care that much because his vids add another layer of coolness and mystery to the place.
5. However, Disney has now shown that they don't condone trespassers who might break a leg or fall into a pit in unsafe areas.
6. Then, some time later, a chastened Woo is readmitted after stipulating to some type of nastiness to follow if he ever does it again (i.e., a lifetime ban, a bunch of money, etc . . .)
7. All is good, and Woo is no longer breaking the rules, probably.
The bigger debate: Does Disney care? Or does Disney like the buzz from "troublemakers" like Woo?
Yeah, the lawyers and safety people are "very concerned about this serious breach", but I'll bet the marketing people see this as a plus. It's fun, and mysterious, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the place just beyond the tree line. The Jungle Cruise leaves you with the impression that more drum-beating natives are just outside of sight, and dangerous animals will bite your leg off if you go ashore. This is fun, and so is the shaky footage showing cool old attractions with abandoned props, memories, and other amazing secrets just out of sight. They're perfect for keeping adults and teens interested, but not shocking enough to keep kids and the general public away. No, Disney can't condone the Woos of the world who might fall through a rotting stairway; but I bet, off the record, they're applauding the guy.
Meanwhile, if Woo or anyone else gets hurt in these off limit areas, Disney can defend itself by saying, "We posted the signs, we locked the doors, and we seriously punished prior trespassers like Woo." And any injured trespasser's lawyer will have a harder time getting money from Disney after falling through a trap door at River Country. After all, Disney did everything they reasonably could to avert such trespassing, including punishing he who went there before.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I think that is pretty much right on, however, I also believe that Disney does care in a manner that protects the "magic" that they are trying so hard to convince everyone exists.
Many people get disillusioned when they see how it all works. I know my X, who had two masters degrees BTW, was completely bummed out when she saw, from the skyway, that 20K subs didn't actually dive below the surface. It does bother a lot of people. I am the opposite, the more I see how it works the more enchanted I am with it. Disney does have a reason to not want to have their dirty laundry exposed to the world and, of course, there is the question of liability if anyone gets injured while sneaking into places that they are not supposed to be in.
I know that you were just using River Country as an example, but, that trap door that you speak of could be filled in by Disney thus eliminating the possibility of anyone falling into it. Their lack of desire to make the area safe would tend to make it a moot point in a legal argument.
I don't think kids and the young at heart watch Woo. For people like me, curious but mature, seeing the old abandoned areas is very interesting, and adds depth to my experience. I also think it would indeed be expensive to put money into regular inspections and upkeep in abandoned areas, especially in the Florida climate. That flight of stairs was fine a few months ago, but the termites and 2 feet of rain can wreak havoc quite quickly. Locked gates, signs and fences should really do the trick. Then, making a show of punishing Woo sets a fine example. In all honesty, the whole thing is a plus plus plus for Disney.
Remember, the Disney channel specifically aired a Phineas and Ferb episode that took place at the Old Abandoned Old Abandoned Amusement Park. That's right, an amusement park that was themed as old and abandoned when it was built, but then was actually abandoned. This is not a novel concept for Disney.
Remember, the Disney channel specifically aired a Phineas and Ferb episode that took place at the Old Abandoned Old Abandoned Amusement Park. That's right, an amusement park that was themed as old and abandoned when it was built, but then was actually abandoned. This is not a novel concept for Disney.
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wdwjmp239
Well-Known Member
It wasn't suddenly lifted. It wasn't like he was banned today and Disney forgave him the next day. I think the total "ban time" was 900 days (2.5 years). Right now, the ball is in Adam's court. As long as he keeps his nose clean, there shouldn't be any issues. But, there was one YouTube video where he filmed the Walt Disney World STOLPort (which is just used for parking/storage now). That could be pushing Disney's buttons just a little.
wdwjmp239
Well-Known Member
Yep! This is the video where Adam could be crossing the line between "being good" and "buying a one way ticket to ban-ville." Don't get me wrong...I love the Adam The Woo videos, but why would he push the subject? I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
raven
Well-Known Member
Because that's what his videos are about: exploring forbidden or abandoned areas.
POLY LOVER
Well-Known Member
Disney has to protect their property and intellectual property from snoopers. If what he is doing is tresspass then he is wrong even though its something that you would like to see. If encouraged this guy will keep pushing the boundries to get more and more.
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
How much free publicity is anybody like Adam the Woo generating. Who does his videos appeal to - want to be Imagineers / cast members / or other Disney fans (for the most part, granted he does look at other abandoned places).
I don't think there are many people who watch his stuff to see an abandoned six flags and then say "Wow, WDW has backstage/abandoned areas as well? I had no desire to go there before, but now that I know this, I am planning a family trip".
More than likely, his videos inspire people who already go to Disney parks and don't cause problems to now try and get backstage because it appears someone as bumbling as Adam can do so with no problems.
-dave
I don't think there are many people who watch his stuff to see an abandoned six flags and then say "Wow, WDW has backstage/abandoned areas as well? I had no desire to go there before, but now that I know this, I am planning a family trip".
More than likely, his videos inspire people who already go to Disney parks and don't cause problems to now try and get backstage because it appears someone as bumbling as Adam can do so with no problems.
-dave
wdwjmp239
Well-Known Member
And if I recall correctly, that's the reason why he got banned from Disney. If he's starting with the recording of the Disney STOLport, what's next? It'll only be a matter of time before Adam gets arrested.
wdwjmp239
Well-Known Member
Think about what you said, "Disney marketers like the free publicity."
If that was absolutely the case, then they wouldn't have banned him, right?
DisneyDayDreamer
Well-Known Member
Disney is all about safety and show. Adam is a potential threat to both. That probably explains why he was banned.
Raineman
Well-Known Member
He's already done the "what's next", and he got banned for almost 3 years. As I have said quite a few times in this forum, he is not going to chance getting banned again-this time it would be permanently. And, I believe the STOLport, which has been converted into a road/parking lot, is NOT a restricted area. So, what is he doing here that's wrong?
Raineman
Well-Known Member
He is not a threat to anything or anyone. What he has become is the whipping boy for all of the Dudley Do-rights on here, and the sacrificial lamb for people who, to this day, are still trespassing at WDW. Did everyone not read the post on the second page where the poster openly admitted to recently trespassing in River Country? Why is no one vilifying this guy and setting the WDW security on him?
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Especially since it can easily be seen from the Epcot Monorail.
s8film40
Well-Known Member
There's nothing wrong with it. For all we know with his past situation he may have even gotten explicit permission to be there just to be safe. It's not a restricted area, and to my knowledge there aren't signs or anything saying you can't go there.
They had to ban him, but then let him back. Think about what you just said. If they didn't ban him, they're essentially allowing anyone to poke around in unsupervised and potentially hazardous areas. The legal department would never allow that. They couldn't condone what he did, but on the other hand the rascal actually added mystery and free publicity. That's part of the reason that they then lifted the ban. that and the fact that trespassing does not warrant a lifetime ban.
If the star quarterback from your football team breaks a rule by staying out late chasing supermodels, you don't cut him from the team. You fine him and maybe suspend him for a game or two. But then you let him back in, and many fans want to see the guy who scores time with supermodels.
They didn't permanently ban Woo, they essentially suspended him and then let him back in. Again, the legal eagles probably wanted him banned for life, but the marketers probably wanted him chastened, but back on property, thus continuing the Woo saga as a man who truly loves Disney. That's my theory, and I'm sticking with it. Disagree if you wish.
Monorail_Red_77
Well-Known Member
Correct. Here's a Google screen shot of the driveway in question that leads to the STOL Port which is to the right just outside the pic behind the tree line just past the monorail beam. There are no signs at the driveway or near it on World Dr. Usually they post a simple service vehicles or authorized vehicles only. But none of that here.
No signs here at the south end of STOL either. Just your go-away green fencing. This view from the driveway at Vista Blvd.
Here's a pic of the usual sign that you see to help keep you out of where you should not be driving. Besides of course the usual gates, etc. "Service & Authorized Vehicles Only" sign. This one at Epcot Resorts Blvd. With bonus gate restriction.
Then there are of course the far fewer "Hey this is WDW Property, No Trespassing!" signs. One on Center Dr and the one below on Vista Blvd just east of Ft. Wilderness when heading west. I have only found two of these by the way.
This sign says "Private Property WDW Guest, Cast, and Business Invitees only." I find this one on Vista kinda weird in that you are already on WDW Property in all directions. Then there is this sign. Of course it is right up against the Golden Oaks/Four Points complex at the intersection of Bonnet Creek / Dream Tree Dr. and Vista Blvd.
(Don't even get me started on the selling off of the land for Golden Oak. Though I think it is still controlled by Disney somehow.)
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