M:S Contractor Sues Disney

[monorailmike]

I agree that it would be great if they went back to the old way of doing things in house. Sadly I can't see it happening anytime soon. Now we have a bunch of bean counters kissing investors butts by trying to slash costs any which way. It is like this at many a company including where I work. The days of when Walt would come up with an idea leaving Roy to come up with the money, even if it meant risking big debt are over. Heaven forbid if the focus becomes entertaining the customer above all else.

 

[Mr D]

It makes me wonder about the future after eisner is gone, will Disney go back to "in house" and keep all the rights? Problem is such technology thats involved in MS is actually readily available, now its a logical conclusion other theme parks will try to outdo MS with similar equipment bust just different theming.
Doesn't surprise me the Dark Side of the Mouse is actively finding any way it can to monopolize the industry, would be better isf Disney sold of some recent purchases and just buy out Universals theme park, solves a lot of problems immediately.

 

[Tim G]

Originally posted by wdwmagic
It seems that the dispute is over system testing, and not ownership of the ride system. It is alleged that at the last minute WDI decided to do all the testing of the ride system in house, and cut ETC out of the loop. ETC were relying on the testing phase as a significant part of their income for the project. Hence the law suit for breach of contract.

It's easy... Disney wants to keep ETC to their contract during testing (and testing only, until oct 9 2003) ETC disaggrees
but it's there in the contract.. plain and simple...

 

[MrNonacho]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't WED/WDI always depended on outsider help to an extent? I'm not positive on my facts, but didn't even classic "Disney" ride systems like the Omnimover rely on companies like Arrow Dynamics?

 

[wdwmagic]

Originally posted by MrNonacho
Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't WED/WDI always depended on outsider help to an extent? I'm not positive on my facts, but didn't even classic "Disney" ride systems like the Omnimover rely on companies like Arrow Dynamics?

Yes a lot of the great Disney attractions have had outside help. Tower of Terror had OTIS and United Technology involved. Arrow and Vekoma have been involved in almost all the coasters.

 

[Lovecraft]

Otis helped on Tower of Terror...

whoa. That doesn't seem like it would help OTIS Elevator sales now does it?

 

[wdwmagic]

Originally posted by Lovecraft
Otis helped on Tower of Terror...

whoa. That doesn't seem like it would help OTIS Elevator sales now does it?

I am sure its a great tool for the OTIS sales team to mention they worked on the Tower. That elevator system is incredible, and the most powerful elevator system ever developed.

 

[Lovecraft]

I agree with what you said about it being incredible etc.

But the THEME of the thing... an elevator falls. Somehow, that just seems like suicide.

Kinda like if Delta airlines bragged about providing planes and stuff for a movie that dealt with a jet crashing...

 

[wdwmagic]

Originally posted by Lovecraft
I agree with what you said about it being incredible etc.

But the THEME of the thing... an elevator falls. Somehow, that just seems like suicide.

Kinda like if Delta airlines bragged about providing planes and stuff for a movie that dealt with a jet crashing...

LOL yeah i know what you mean, but in reality, people are going to understand how the OTIS system is safely transporting millions of guests a year on an elevator that far exceeds the specifications of any other elevator on Earth. Its an impressive system to say that you helped develop.