Rumor Siemens is going to end their sponsorship with the parks - Spaceship Earth and IllumiNations

[dreamfinder912]

Yeah, how would this effect Illuminations? Is it to trudge along without getting the TLC to that poor, no longer opening, earth globe or is this Disney's excuse for pulling the plug?

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Well, this will also get shut off at the end of the show...

 

[marni1971]

So, since people are saying this means SSE isn't going to change for a while, does the same apply to IllumiNations, and the rumored new version of that they were planning on putting on? That pushed back now?

That project carries on it seems.

 

[Haymarket2008]

It seems Siemens were planning renegotiate and re sign. Something else made them change their mind.

Possible they wanted a full overhaul (in a bad way), and Disney refused to change it too much?

 

[Kevin_W]

This always confused me about their sponsorship as well. Even though they are a huge company with their fingers in next to everything, they don't directly sell to consumers. It would honestly surprise me if 1% of the guests that walked through the gates of Epcot were even in a position to be influenced by their sponsorship.

At work, we use some medium-sized 3-phase electric motors. Last year, we replaced a Baldor motor with a Siemens motor. I'll admit, it did make my happy due to their sponsorship at SSE (although that did not influence the purchase - Siemens had the low price for what we needed).

 

[cindy_k]

Disney just needs to put the wand back up and allow the sponsors to put their name on it.

 

[wdwmagic]

This has all originated from a Tweet - https://twitter.com/lielder3/status/880429536860655616
Have we been able to confirm with any other source? Not saying it isn't correct, but I have no idea if this tweet is accurate or not.

 

[Master Yoda]

At work, we use some medium-sized 3-phase electric motors. Last year, we replaced a Baldor motor with a Siemens motor. I'll admit, it did make my happy due to their sponsorship at SSE (although that did not influence the purchase - Siemens had the low price for what we needed).

I see their name on a few of the parts of our component saws. Of course I have never once asked for a Seimens part when replacing something. Nine times out of ten the deciding factor is what can be in my hands the quickest.

 

[yaksplat]

This has all originated from a Tweet - https://twitter.com/lielder3/status/880429536860655616
Have we been able to confirm with any other source? Not saying it isn't correct, but I have no idea if this tweet is accurate or not.

on a reply to the tweet, with additional information

Lisha‏ @lielder3 4h4 hours ago
I work for Siemens, got the email today. I have no idea about Illuminations.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

It's a possibility. But also still just a rumor. None of our insiders have given up a Club 33 site for Epcot yet.

The answer to this question seems to come, indirectly, from Chase. If you speak to your Chase Private Client service representative, then you will likely be informed that the American Adventure lounge will no longer be accessible to Chase customers.

Also, the lounge does not appear to be advertised in any current Chase marketing.

 

[marni1971]

This has all originated from a Tweet - https://twitter.com/lielder3/status/880429536860655616
Have we been able to confirm with any other source? Not saying it isn't correct, but I have no idea if this tweet is accurate or not.

I've heard from two people it's very very likely.

 

[Tavernacle12]

I've heard from two people it's very very likely.

Should we expect an official press release about it soon, then? It seems odd that, apparently, Siemens would let their employees know before either them or Disney released an memo to the press.

 

[trainplane3]

There was merit in that.

The original Time Racers was spectacular. Just in the absolutely wrong building.

Is there any chance that you could explain the details (concept art even?) of Time Racers one day (all contained in SSE? Launched from Innoventions and then dove into SSE? etc.)? Unless it's one of those projects that are ever so slightly still considered that they are "need to know" only. That ride has always interested me.

 

[marni1971]

Should we expect an official press release about it soon, then? It seems odd that, apparently, Siemens would let their employees know before either them or Disney released an memo to the press.

I have no idea.

 

[wdwmagic]

Should we expect an official press release about it soon, then? It seems odd that, apparently, Siemens would let their employees know before either them or Disney released an memo to the press.

They typically do not make press releases about departing sponsors. We may hear something official come via internal memo.

 

[marni1971]

Is there any chance that you could explain the details (concept art even?) of Time Racers one day (all contained in SSE? Launched from Innoventions and then dove into SSE? etc.)? Unless it's one of those projects that are ever so slightly still considered that they are "need to know" only. That ride has always interested me.

No art; I wasn't permitted to take it with me. My memory is hazy; I was looking at a tablet one night ironically waiting for RoE. Plenty of physical sets along with time "portal" archways the ride vehicles would pass though. Funnily similar in appearance to the archway of today's SSE just before the photo capture. The layout was like today; spiralling track up through the building. Somewhere near 180top the final portal would open up and vehicles would "launch" through it. All contained in the existing building, Innoventions wasn't involved. Some exterior track was mentioned.

 

[trainplane3]

No art; I wasn't permitted to take it with me. My memory is hazy; I was looking at a tablet one night ironically waiting for RoE. Plenty of physical sets along with time "portal" archways the ride vehicles would pass though. Funnily similar in appearance to the archway of today's SSE just before the photo capture. The layout was like today; spiralling track up through the building. Somewhere near 180top the final portal would open up and vehicles would "launch" through it. All contained in the existing building, Innoventions wasn't involved. Some exterior track was mentioned.

That does sound very cool. I always pictured something like a bridge/cannon that would launch it from Innoventions and dove into SSE or maybe the base of SSE since that part is already angled. Sort of like DLP's SM with the angled launch. It really sounded like a cool idea that would keep the idea of traveling through time (but without the history of communication part), just in completely the wrong building. How much $$ would it take to convince them to build this in UoE's spot instead of GotG? I have $20 ready right now haha

As always, thanks for the info! It's very appreciated!

 

[ShoalFox]

I'm hoping this rumor stays just like that: a rumor. SSE is too important to lose, but historic value won't stop the current management...

 

[HauntedPirate]

My best friend's sister's boyfriend heard from this guy who talked to this girl who heard from a bus driver who read on Twitter that Disney insisted that Siemens change their name to "Sie-persons" in order to continue their sponsorship, because Disney does not want to offend any guest of any gender visiting WDW, but Siemens refused.

 

[Tayoboy]

Well if they have no qualms destroying GMR, what's to stop them from destroying arguably the most iconic Disney attraction? Hopefully someone steps in for a change.

Where is this "going to tear down spaceship earth" coming from, the ride have been through multiple sponsors already, and it's still standing.