EPCOT Entertainment cuts

[lazyboy97o]

This is the nature of employment period lately. The moment a company doesn't need someone or can find someone to do their job for less money, there's a good chance they'll be shown the door.

I had been teaching in the same school for 7 years when I lost my job out of nowhere due to budget cuts a year and a half ago. Is anyone going to tell me this was my fault for not having a more stable job?

Entertainment is a very different beast. The notion of the starving artist exists for a reason. Nobody in performance arts gets hired by a theater or company and then expects to have a role in every production. Productions are also typically only scheduled to last for weeks and even then closing early is not unusual. Part of the reason actors unions remain so large is because of that expected volatility and they therefore still offer a lot of the benefits now covered by the employer or government.

 

[DisUniversal]

Glad to know that you read the rest of the post.

At least I read the ones leading up to it.

 

[Fractal514]

Entertainment is a very different beast. The notion of the starving artist exists for a reason. Nobody in performance arts gets hired by a theater or company and then expects to have a role in every production. Productions are also typically only scheduled to last for weeks and even then closing early is not unusual. Part of the reason actors unions remain so large is because of that expected volatility and they therefore still offer a lot of the benefits now covered by the employer or government.

Two points on this. 1. It does suck to lose a job, no matter who you are or what industry you have chosen. I'm sure that these folks knew everything you said and are reconciled to that, but still feel crappy about it.
2. You are absolutely right about the nature of the entertainment industry. It is a cold and hard business whether you are a musician, actor, artist, or whatever other kind of entertainer you can think of. Fashions and fads fade and even movies and television, which are more permanent in nature are only temporary in popularity, with very few exceptions.

 

[unkadug]

At least I read the ones leading up to it.

Once again you are missing the point.

 

[Spikerdink]

I've read (most) of these 40 pages of comments, and respect everyone's opinions as to whether these changes are a horrible injustice or a way of keeping Epcot 'fresh'.

I look at this change from a different perspective in that I tend to look at what can be interpreted by the words and actions of those responsible.

Coming from a background in politics and public relations, I know that often there is a deliberate attempt to upsell and get people to buy something they don't want or need. Recently on the news there was a whole 'expose' of tricks that restaurants do to make you buy something that ordinarily would wouldn't but you were intrigued by wording, or a highlighting of the item. When Disney issues a press release that extolls a "corps of dynamic flag-waving performers in Italy", and a "thrilling lumberjack-inspired show in Canada" I question the need to add the terms 'dynamic' and 'thrilling'. Somewhere in corporate someone realized just how lame the concept of flag waving and lumberjacks sounds and issued the command 'jazz this up so people will think they are getting something really special' when in reality they are being served something that is generic and bland. Yes, I haven't seen either show, and truthfully, the write up makes me think "Boring!!" and I have no desire to check either out. In fact, both sound so incredibly crappy, I doubt I will do more than glance at either offering.

Yes, I am a fan of Off Kilter and MoRockin. I enjoyed OK a lot more (always made time for at least one set when in Epcot) and would always watch the fife and drum when I could. These cuts to me weaken the Epcot experience. Will there new music offerings be as good - maybe - I will check them out and give them a shot.

Overall, however, there is a lack of excitement around the parks. To say I was underwhelmed by the new Fantasyland is an understatement. In all my years of going to WDW, I had never been as disappointed in such a ballyhooed entity. To my eyes and experiences, there is nothing in NFL that is amazing in its wow factor for visiting. The same is happening with Epcot - there is no longer a 'wow' to me. I walk around, I enjoy, but the sum of the experiences is lacking. Now with OK, MR and the others going and being told how incredible the new acts will be I find myself doubting. Lumberjacks? Flags? Nah. Not interested. Maybe I will spend more time at the pool.

 

[culturenthrills]

I love me a yoga fueled soccer mom.....

It never will reach that tipping point. This will just become another moment where the Epcot fanbois point to and say "remember when we had cool entertainment" and argue on message boards while those who remained silent think back and wonder why they did.

I see this as a new trend. I see them changing acts in and out much faster, not allowing any one act to build that kind of following (and keeping things cheap).

My absolute biggest problem with this? Fife and drum were cut. How ironic, Cutting the most patriotic show in the four parks all in the name of business.

As much as I hate them, anyone know someone at Fox News? Cutting Fife and Drum is just the kind of how dare someone get rid of a Rah-Rah America red meat story they love to beat to death.

 

[PhotoDave219]

As much as I hate them, anyone know someone at Fox News? Cutting Fife and Drum is just the kind of how dare someone get rid of a Rah-Rah America red meat story they love to beat to death.

I know what you mean. That's the story that has legs.

It's also the perfect analogy for modern American capitalism. Once again… Just because it's "business" doesn't make it right. Plenty of successful Companies continue to make profits and are loyal to their employees.

 

[unkadug]

I know what you mean. That's the story that has legs.

It's also the perfect analogy for modern American capitalism. Once again… Just because it's "business" doesn't make it right. Plenty of successful Companies continue to make profits and are loyal to their employees.

I think that TDO doesn't look upon these entertainers as employees....they are cast members and as such are expendable as the roles are constantly changing along with the whims of the public's tastes for entertainers.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I think that TDO doesn't look upon these entertainers as employees....they are cast members and as such are expendable as the roles are constantly changing along with the whims of the public's tastes for entertainers.

It's sad the guests view cast members as expendable.

 

[unkadug]

It's sad the guests view cast members as expendable.

Just like any other entertainment job, the participants are expendable. The show will go on without them.

While I may appreciate their talent and ability to entertain, I'm not emotionally involved with any actor, musician nor artist.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Just like any other entertainment job, the participants are expendable. The show will go on without them.

While I may appreciate their talent and ability to entertain, I'm not emotionally involved with any actor, musician nor artist.

The shame you're such a dim outlook on humanity.

 

[Gabe1]

Everybody throws around the fact that the we here are the small minority and our opinions dont have much effect. When the hard core fan base complains long enough and points out more and more flaws, there will eventually be a tipping point where the general public hears them and begins to notice and when the "yoga fueled soccer moms" (as dave calls em) begin to chat on FB about it, the word can spread quickly and the ugly underbelly will be more exposed. The moms on FB wont be discussing it because they love Disney, they will be discussing it because they love to gossip and love to be the first to tell everybody about it. Ya, it could take years before it reaches that point, but if it does, and then some news outlet does a story on how Disney has declined and cheapened the experience, it will take a lot for the company to recover.

For every fan they loose they will probly gain a new one, but look at the customer they are going after now. People that will most likely not buy an AP or not return for years to come. People that dont care about finding that unique merchandise or spending money on keepsakes. At least not as much as the fans they are loosing. Disney could end up with a fan base that is not as loyal and they will be forced to continue to find new fans.

I agree with your basic sentiment however I believe there is great diversity within the core fan core. There is a percentage that still loves Disney but in reality Disney has out priced their ability to continue to vacation at Disney with regularity where they use to be able to and can no longer keep up with Disney quickly outpacing the CPI.

There are fans similar to me that fill in another percentage of the fan core, that could afford the Deluxe resorts that rarely do because I won't hand over that dollar amount for what I receive in return. Part of the reason why there are so many Deluxe rooms unoccupied. I have the ability to buy more Disney Wares these days however I actually spend less. I am more discriminating in what I choose to purchase. This demographic speaks volumes. Many did the parties for years or even dessert parties noticing as the cost went up the quality went down. Disney needs to recruit new customers to replace those who have built up some tolerance to the *pixie dust* that once made them hand their wallets over to Disney after driving under the arch.

Add in the percentage of Disney fan core that loves Disney but have also found the New Universal, with charming resorts and some excellent attractions that once only Disney Offered. This percentage now divides the pie of days between the dueling parks.

And a smaller percentage. My friend who will visit the World for 7 days to use his points at Wilderness his home resort. The pool will be closed during his visit this September. He will entertain himself by DVD hopping to a different resort each day. He has not bought passes to the parks, has one day remaining on a hopper and a ticket to the Halloween party. He has a car and eats off sight. He brings in liquor from the area stores. He has purchased a two day pass to Universal to tour the new attractions. He figures he can pick up Dwarf at the Party, the only real new thing. His wife will dine with him and enjoy the resorts. Disney has little profit to make off these two guests.

I think we over generalize what the fan core is when it comes to spending habits. I believe they are as diverse as the newbies visiting the World.

 

[unkadug]

The shame you're such a dim outlook on humanity.

It's a shame that you are so wrapped up in the emotional stability of entertainers.

 

[SirLink]

It's sad the guests view cast members as expendable.

One could blame the cutting of traditions training and overuse of College Program kids ... as to the root cause that affects guests, which is the reason why this view is a bit to common with guests.

 

[SirLink]

Just like any other entertainment job, the participants are expendable. The show will go on without them.

While I may appreciate their talent and ability to entertain, I'm not emotionally involved with any actor, musician nor artist.

That would be true if the show was still the same but getting devalued performers (Equity vs non Equity) doesn't seem like a fair trade for the parks which are charging nearly $100 to get in.

 

[unkadug]

That would be true if the show was still the same but getting devalued performers (Equity vs non Equity) doesn't seem like a fair trade for the parks which are charging nearly $100 to get in.

I wasn't aware that Equity accepted musical groups.

 

[asianway]

I wasn't aware that Equity accepted musical groups.

VOL, Mulch, all equity...

 

[PhotoDave219]

One could blame the cutting of traditions training and overuse of College Program kids ... as to the root cause that affects guests, which is the reason why this view is a bit to common with guests.

Still.... To view people who work to make your vacation an enjoyable time as "expendable" means those guests are part of the problem with society.

Distinct lack of ethics. Distinct lack of morality. Distinct lack of right and wrong.

 

[asianway]

Still.... To view people who work to make your vacation an enjoyable time as "expendable" means those guests are part of the problem with society.

Distinct lack of ethics. Distinct lack of morality. Distinct lack of right and wrong.

Add lack of respect too. Guests are the biggest problem WDW has today.

 

[unkadug]

Still.... To view people who work to make your vacation an enjoyable time as "expendable" means those guests are part of the problem with society.

Distinct lack of ethics. Distinct lack of morality. Distinct lack of right and wrong.

Wow. You, of all people, talking about ethics and morality?