Cash-Strapped Disney

[tirian]

If the internet has taught me anything about Disney, its that Millennial and Gen Z Disney fans do not care about anything pre-Little Mermaid, scorn Walt's animated work as racist/sexist and are largely oblivious to Disney live-action movies and television content. Their opinion on the parks is either "I can't afford to go" or those that can just blindly accept whatever is there when they visit. They're probably the least educated on the company's history and content, but spend the most money on merch. Go figure.

In Ye Olden Daeys, you had to pick up a BOOK [what's that?] like Leonard Maltin's The Disney Films or Dave Smith's Disney A to Z to learn about the history and now you have more information than ever online...and it's largely ignored.

I know many will disagree with me, yet I would argue those sorts of people aren’t Disney fans; they’re company fans who are addicted to the marketing and would be equally as obsessed if it were named Entertainment 720.

I’m a fairly young-ish Millennial too.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I know many will disagree with me, yet I would argue those sorts of people aren’t Disney fans; they’re company fans who are addicted to the marketing and would be equally as obsessed if it were named Entertainment 720.

I wouldn't normally advocate for gate-keeping in fandom, but...some could try a little harder to understand why the company is the way it is and develop some taste. All Disney fans would probably benefit from that.

 

[brb1006]

If the internet has taught me anything about Disney, its that Millennial and Gen Z Disney fans do not care about anything pre-Little Mermaid, scorn Walt's animated work as racist/sexist and are largely oblivious to Disney live-action movies and television content. Their opinion on the parks is either "I can't afford to go" or those that can just blindly accept whatever is there when they visit. They're probably the least educated on the company's history and content, but spend the most money on merch. Go figure.

In Ye Olden Daeys, you had to pick up a BOOK [what's that?] like Leonard Maltin's The Disney Films or Dave Smith's Disney A to Z to learn about the history and now you have more information than ever online...and it's largely ignored.

As a Millennial, I feel like one of the very few Disney Fans who actually cares about Disney Animated Films and Live-Actions movies from the pre-Renissance and post-Walt era. Sure some of their films weren't perfect, but they have their own set of fans (The Aristocats was one of the very few films from the dark era that still gets attention by modern Disney. Especially after Marie's sudden popularity in the 90s). Heck, I still own "Disney's Storybook Collection" from 1997 that features Disney's popular films from the Renaissance era and from the 70s and 80s period.

 

[Brer Oswald]

If the internet has taught me anything about Disney, its that Millennial and Gen Z Disney fans do not care about anything pre-Little Mermaid, scorn Walt's animated work as racist/sexist and are largely oblivious to Disney live-action movies and television content. Their opinion on the parks is either "I can't afford to go" or those that can just blindly accept whatever is there when they visit. They're probably the least educated on the company's history and content, but spend the most money on merch. Go figure.

In Ye Olden Daeys, you had to pick up a BOOK [what's that?] like Leonard Maltin's The Disney Films or Dave Smith's Disney A to Z to learn about the history and now you have more information than ever online...and it's largely ignored.

I am in that age range, but I understand I’m the odd man out. I’ve always cared more about Walt’s legacy than anything else. It’s what I grew up with. I started with Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Fun and Fancy Free. After that, I wanted to see all of the black and white Mickey cartoons. From there, I was hooked.

I always feel like I’m talking to a brick wall with people my age. They’ll tell me that Walt was racist, or that he hated Jewish people fully knowing how big of a Disney fan I am and how much research I’ve done. Meanwhile, they’re the ones to make racist comments and jokes. Ironic isn’t it?

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

Most critical thinkers wouldn’t care.
The Americans enjoy making fun of Canada and our “accents”, despite the fact that most of us act and sound just like most of you. I couldn’t care less.
Learn to laugh at yourselves. Learn to recognize that stereotypes obviously aren’t completely accurate, they aren’t personal attacks, and they only exist for easy to develop entertainment.

I love Bob and Doug McKenzie ( you hoser )

 

[Mainahman]

I am in that age range, but I understand I’m the odd man out. I’ve always cared more about Walt’s legacy than anything else. It’s what I grew up with. I started with Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Fun and Fancy Free. After that, I wanted to see all of the black and white Mickey cartoons. From there, I was hooked.

I always feel like I’m talking to a brick wall with people my age. They’ll tell me that Walt was racist, or that he hated Jewish people fully knowing how big of a Disney fan I am and how much research I’ve done. Meanwhile, they’re the ones to make racist comments and jokes. Ironic isn’t it?

I'm not "old" per say 33 actually. I can't agree .pre with you. These are my Interests as well. Give me the classics. The new stuff,some is good, but I'm obsessed with the quality in the classics. that goes for the parks and attractions as well. Bob Hurt, Richard Irvine, the original 9 old men. They brought us so much quality. Sometimes Disney misses that mark today.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I am in that age range, but I understand I’m the odd man out. I’ve always cared more about Walt’s legacy than anything else. It’s what I grew up with. I started with Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Fun and Fancy Free.

I remember when Fun and Fancy Free was first released to video [in its original cut] in 1997. I watched it having no clue who Edgar Bergen and his two dummies were, but I liked it none the less. Then after the movie, the same tape had a 15 minute documentary putting the movie in context and I appreciated it even more.

Disney used to try harder to take care of and promote their older movies. Now they have Star Wars and Marvel and can't be bothered. It's why it's easier for them to change Splash Mountain now. Song of the South isn't just problematic, the real sin is that it's OLD and not a franchise. That's the excuse the company and its fans are happy to use.

 

[brb1006]

I remember when Fun and Fancy Free was first released to video [in its original cut] in 1997. I watched it having no clue who Edgar Bergen and his two dummies were, but I liked it none the less. Then after the movie, the same tape had a 15 minute documentary putting the movie in context and I appreciated it even more.

Disney used to try harder to take care of and promote their older movies. Now they have Star Wars and Marvel and can't be bothered. It's why it's easier for them to change Splash Mountain now. Song of the South isn't just problematic, the real sin is that it's OLD and not a franchise. That's the excuse the company and its fans are happy to use.

I watched Fun And Fancy Free (original cut) constantly as a kid, alongside "The Spirit Of Mickey" on VHS. I still remember the theme song ("Hey Mickey") to "The Spirit Of Mickey" by heart!

Surprised Disney hasn't used this song for anything Mickey Mouse related these days. I prefer that over "It's A Good, Good, Good, Good Time".

I also used to watch "Disney's Sing Along Songs: Disneyland Fun" which was my first exposure to Disneyland as a toddler.

For a 28 minute long video, it felt look a movie as a child. I will always remember the "When You Wish Upon A Star" and especially the "It's A Small World" sections since the VHS was made when characters used to be more interactive with guests (1990).

 

[Touchdown]

Can’t we care about all aspects of the company equally? I’m a millennial (barely I’m on the older end) but the Disney renaissance was my childhood (I remember seeing TLM, BatB, Aladdin and Lion King in theatres) so of course I have a love for that era, but I love and watch all eras, other then the “dark” and “lost” eras I will not argue with anyone over which era was “best.”

That said, older fans need to realize that there are now as many good films the company has released without Walt as those with him.

Growing up, other then an odd show/parade there was never attractions on the movies of my childhood; I think that’s why I love Philharmagic so much, it was the first piece of “permanent” additions to the park that acknowledged the films of my childhood (I’m not counting Magic Carpets.)

It’s not that we don’t like the old films, it’s that it would be nice to see more representation in the US parks for some of the newer stuff. The golden/silver age is still over represented compared to renaissance/revival eras, although the company has done better and I wish they would do this with additions rather then replacements.

 

[Brer Oswald]

I remember when Fun and Fancy Free was first released to video [in its original cut] in 1997. I watched it having no clue who Edgar Bergen and his two dummies were, but I liked it none the less. Then after the movie, the same tape had a 15 minute documentary putting the movie in context and I appreciated it even more.

Disney used to try harder to take care of and promote their older movies. Now they have Star Wars and Marvel and can't be bothered. It's why it's easier for them to change Splash Mountain now. Song of the South isn't just problematic, the real sin is that it's OLD and not a franchise. That's the excuse the company and its fans are happy to use.

That’s the cut I used to watch. My favourite parts were the Edgar Burgan intermissions and the behind the scenes documentary.

As for Song of the South, it has its “racist” reputation simply because it’s old and expendable. They had a reason to hold onto it a bit for Zipadeedoodah, but now they have so many signature songs in their catalogue that they don’t care. I’d get into it more, but this isn’t the place to do so, and as I always say, “you can’t have an intellectual conversation about Song of the South”. I’ve been on the ride, I’ve listened to the songs, and I’ve seen the movie (with the preconceived notion that it was racist). After all that, I can safely say that I wish things went differently in regards to it’s reputation. But there’s nothing that can be done about it now.

 

[brb1006]

Can’t we care about all aspects of the company equally? I’m a millennial (barely I’m on the older end) but the Disney renaissance was my childhood (I remember seeing TLM, BatB, Aladdin and Lion King in theatres) so of course I have a love for that era, but I love and watch all eras, other then the “dark” and “lost” eras I will not argue with anyone over which era was “best.”

That said, older fans need to realize that there are now as many good films the company has released without Walt as those with him.

Growing up, other then an odd show/parade there was never attractions on the movies of my childhood; I think that’s why I love Philharmagic so much, it was the first piece of “permanent” additions to the park that acknowledged the films of my childhood (I’m not counting Magic Carpets.)

It’s not that we don’t like the old films, it’s that it would be nice to see more representation in the US parks for some of the newer stuff. The golden/silver age is still over represented compared to renaissance/revival eras, although the company has done better and I wish they would do this with additions rather then replacements.

What about stuff from the 70s that's barely represented at the parks? Robin Hood gets some attention from the US parks occasionally, while the non-US Disney Parks (such as Paris and Tokyo) give more attention The Rescuers, The Aristocats and other obscure characters/films from the company.

 

[Brer Oswald]

Can’t we care about all aspects of the company equally? I’m a millennial (barely I’m on the older end) but the Disney renaissance was my childhood (I remember seeing TLM, BatB, Aladdin and Lion King in theatres) so of course I have a love for that era, but I love and watch all eras, other then the “dark” and “lost” eras I will not argue with anyone over which era was “best.”

That said, older fans need to realize that there are now as many good films the company has released without Walt as those with him.

Growing up, other then an odd show/parade there was never attractions on the movies of my childhood; I think that’s why I love Philharmagic so much, it was the first piece of “permanent” additions to the park that acknowledged the films of my childhood (I’m not counting Magic Carpets.)

It’s not that we don’t like the old films, it’s that it would be nice to see more representation in the US parks for some of the newer stuff. The golden/silver age is still over represented compared to renaissance/revival eras, although the company has done better and I wish they would do this with additions rather then replacements.

I really don’t agree with that last part, unless you are specifically talking about the Parks. The Classics are pretty much only repped in the parks. The rest of their media has a focus on Marvel, Star Wars, The last decade of Disney films, and the big four of the Renaissance. Most of the classic content in the parks was added before the Renaissance.

 

[Touchdown]

I really don’t agree with that last part, unless you are specifically talking about the Parks. The Classics are pretty much only repped in the parks. The rest of their media has a focus on Marvel, Star Wars, The last decade of Disney films, and the big four of the Renaissance. Most of the classic content in the parks was added before the Renaissance.

I was talking about the parks. Last I checked we were on a parks board

 

[Touchdown]

What about stuff from the 70s that's barely represented? Robin Hood gets some attention from the US parks occasionally, while the non-US Disney Parks (such as Paris and Tokyo) give more attention The Rescuers, The Aristocats and other obscure characters/films from the company.

I’m pretty sure that era has one of the only franchises to have a ride in every park, silly old bear

 

[Brer Oswald]

I was talking about the parks. Last I checked we were on a parks board

Ok. But there’s a good reason why that’s the case. There’s a reason why the rides based on Classic IPs are also more respected, and that’s due to the time period the attractions opened.

Outside of the parks, the Classics are rarely if ever represented, and that’s a shame. They need to stay in the parks to remain “relevant”.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

now you have more information than ever online...and it's largely ignored.

One of the great tragedies of the Internet.

 

[larryz]

I also used to watch "Disney's Sing Along Songs: Disneyland Fun" which was my first exposure to Disneyland as a toddler.

For a 28 minute long video, it felt look a movie as a child.

I think it's required to tag @MisterPenguin whenever that dance at 4:33 is played...

 

[HanSoloDolo]

For the record...I’m a millennial and my favorite Disney movies are: Jungle Book, Sword in the Stone, Robin Hood. They were all on VHS by the time I was born. You have to take onto account that the movies these kids love are the movies their parents expose them too.

 

[brb1006]

I think it's required to tag @MisterPenguin whenever that dance at 4:33 is played...

@MisterPenguin in his natural habitat.

 

[choco choco]

Whereas Chapek wanted to spend the capital necessary to retrofit MK for a pandemic and then slowly open other parks as demand and money permitted, Iger overruled the plan and pushed for a full reopening to prevent Universal from getting the upper hand.

I don't know Chapek personally and don't at all like what I've heard about him, but his seems like eminently the better plan. It just jives well with a philosophy of "Do one thing well" or "small victories" instead of "biting off more than you can chew." Ok, enough cliches. But Iger's scale of wanting to open everything up at once boggles the mind. It seems more prudent to demonstrate safety and quality in small chunks that are in match-step with demand, and then use what is learned and known to be achievable and scale those up to other properties.

Going this route also means if things had to close back up again (like signs are pointing to now), you didn't blow all your cash opening too much too soon.

It is from within this paradigm that Disney is now struggling with public messaging not matching internal capabilities. For example, Splash Mountain changes were announced with little design ready to implement, based off of a blue sky design that had a concept art package quickly produced for social media advertising. Just one problem: the actuaries were not approached, nor were budgets forecast for the changes. In fact, you might say a rogue committee approved the decision without determining the cost or the feasibility... and then the company realizes the issue after public announcement. So what to do? As of now, the plan is to "quickly" change the DLR version, where it is more likely to be received positively, then use Epcot capex funds that would have gone to Mary Poppins and JII to change the superior WDW version starting in 2022 or 2023. However, hopes that Disney can plus the attraction are difficult to materialize with Imagineering already completely flummoxed how they can possibly reskin many dozens of animatronics in a crown jewel attraction. One imagineer has compared the task to retheming Pirates of the Caribbean to a Jungle Book ride. Yet more attractions are likely to be modified, budgets be damned.

If this is true, the company is poorly managed at its very core. It wouldn't be just an occurence of Chapek or from COVID, this type of chaotic, disorganized, environment where factions go "rogue" and thus are allowed to affect the company's money and public image is a reflection of the norm during much of Iger's tenure. Stuff like this doesn't just happen overnight.