Snow White to get a semi-permanent meet and greet at the Germany pavilion

[Phonedave]

Then at the end you could help Mulan pilot a Mersk container ship!

And give out tainted Thomas The Tank Engine toys - or did I go too far ?

-dave

 

[Captain Chaos]

And if you close one eye, squint with the other, and cover your ears, SGE is just as good as AE. :lol:

Bad analogy.. Very bad analogy... As loose as the theme is for Aladdin, he fits... Agrabah is the city where Aladdin takes place.. It is a fictional ARAB city... It is not stated where Agrabah is supposed to be located... Since Morocco is an Arab country, and Agrabah is an Arab city, the case can be made that Agrabah COULD BE a city in Morocco... therefore, Disney's version of Aladdin fits the theme... I said it is a stretch, but technically, it does work...

 

[SirGoofy]

That is part of his Three Caballeros costuming though... Watch the movie.. Get the stills... In the movie, he does wear a sombrero... So, I don't see the problem...

Yea, I get what you're trying to say. But Donald isn't Mexican. He shouldn't not be by himself as a Mexico meet and greet. Throw Jose and Panchito(who is the Mexican character) out there with him and I'm fine with it, but Donald by himself does not work.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Doing some searching as to how Aladdin fits in Morocco... The original Aladdin tale has its origins in China... HOWEVER, the Disney tale is Arabic.. If you look up Morocco, you would notice, despite being part of North Africa, it is not a member of the African Union... It is, however, part of the Arab League.. I know it is a stretch, but, based on all that, Aladdin does fit...

Wow, so Aladdin is more of a stretch than I thought. There's no real eveidence to show that the story was even originally Arabic! It just happend a French author placed it into Arabian Nights and everyone just kinda took it and ran with it. :lol:

Really, Aladdin should be in China (as the original story has him as Chinese), but Disney made him Arabic for its story, and since Morocco is a Muslim country (with lots of desert), and part of the Arab league (though this really makes the relation between Aladdin and Morocco a stretch), I guess they figured the connection was close enough? :shrug:

 

[Captain Chaos]

Yea, I get what you're trying to say. But Donald isn't Mexican. He shouldn't not be by himself as a Mexico meet and greet. Throw Jose and Panchito(who is the Mexican character) out there with him and I'm fine with it, but Donald by himself does not work.

Not saying you are wrong.. I do agree.. Have all three out there and it is a better fit... But, again, the kids know Donald... The kids don't know the other two... And something tells me the ride wouldn't make the kids suddenly demand to stand on line for Jose and Panchito... But, they will go for Donald in a heart beat... And that is what Disney if offering... The characters they place in the countries do fit the themes...

If you want to make a case that the princesses do not belong in Norway, that I can accept and totally agree with... But, the other characters, though loosely, fit...

 

[Studios Fan]

Wow, so Aladdin is more of a stretch than I thought. There's no real eveidence to show that the story was even originally Arabic! It just happend a French author placed it into Arabian Nights and everyone just kinda took it and ran with it. :lol:

Really, Aladdin should be in China (as the original story has him as Chinese), but Disney made him Arabic for its story, and since Morocco is a Muslim country (with lots of desert), and part of the Arab league (though this really makes the relation between Aladdin and Morocco a stretch), I guess they figured the connection was close enough? :shrug:

It works, but the rest of the characters fit better in their countries.

 

[Captain Chaos]

Wow, so Aladdin is more of a stretch than I thought. There's no real eveidence to show that the story was even originally Arabic! It just happend a French author placed it into Arabian Nights and everyone just kinda took it and ran with it. :lol:

Really, Aladdin should be in China (as the original story has him as Chinese), but Disney made him Arabic for its story, and since Morocco is a Muslim country (with lots of desert), and part of the Arab league (though this really makes the relation between Aladdin and Morocco a stretch), I guess they figured the connection was close enough? :shrug:

That is really what I said... it is a stretch... A long stretch.. But, based on the "Disney character" not the "original story" Aladdin fits...

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

True that Panchito IS the character actually from Mexico.. but, who do the kids relate to, know, and can recognize?? Donald... That's why he is there..

Yeah, thats what I thought. Still, why not pull out all three caballeros at one meet and greet? At least then it would work better. Having the American character appear alone dressed with a poncho and saying he fits is like giving WALL-E an American flag and putting him in the American Adventure (because, after all, he was cleaning up in an American city in the movie, and therefore he fits). I know, its not the greatest analogy, but my point is that alone, Donald is a stretch. Together with the three caballeros as a whole, then it can work (better).

 

[Captain Chaos]

It works, but the rest of the characters fit better in their countries.

Right.. Aladdin works in Morocco... Based on "DISNEYS CHARACTER"... He fits.. The other characters happen to fit better cause their stories take place in real, actual countries, and not a fictional city/country, like Agrabah...

You all want Epcot to inspire and educate and blah blah blah... But, no one uses their imagination and flights of fantasy to make these characters fit into their surroundings... That, my friends, is true inspiration (ok too far with that.. :lol

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

That is really what I said... it is a stretch... A long stretch.. But, based on the "Disney character" not the "original story" Aladdin fits...

No kidding! I didn't think he was that bad originally, but after that 10 mins on Wikipedia (not the best source, I know, but still...), even Elasti-girl would agree that Aladdin is a really long stretch. He works, but man, its a long stretch. :lol:

 

[Captain Chaos]

Yeah, thats what I thought. Still, why not pull out all three caballeros at one meet and greet? At least then it would work better. Having the American character appear alone dressed with a poncho and saying he fits is like giving WALL-E an American flag and putting him in the American Adventure (because, after all, he was cleaning up in an American city in the movie, and therefore he fits). I know, its not the greatest analogy, but my point is that alone, Donald is a stretch. Together with the three caballeros as a whole, then it can work (better).

Whole heartedly agree... The three fit better... And the three work better.. But, on popularity, Donald is going to win out... And that is probably why only Donald is out... But, I do agree that the three characters would be much better thematically...

 

[NewfieFan]

Epcot was not designed to have characters...it was not designed to be an MK part 2, it was designed to be a creative, educational park for a bit of an older, more sophisticated crowd, and somehow their attendance didn't suffer until they decided to let all of the original attractions get outdated and in disrepair.

Then thought they had to change things because they couldn't figure out what to do with Epcot, so they started to change to thrill rides and make it more for the little kids, like the rest of what Disney is trying to attract these days.

Epcot didn't need Nemo, it didn't need a wonderful Norway restaurant being taken over by Princesses (and by extension, STROLLERS everywhere) for every meal of the day, it didn't need characters at every WS pavilion.

It's painfully obvious that WDW isn't about anyone unless they have little kids with them and those people who have little kids can't understand why the rest of us don't enjoy these changes.

I don't understand, like when the horrid wand was stuck onto SSE, people said "but it makes it more Disney!". Anyone who says this don't understand how Disney, meaning Walt wanted things. He didn't want Epcot to be a theme park at all, but if it was going to eventually be one, I don't think he would have wanted characters all over it either, that's what MK is for.

What Epcot was designed for never became!!! Parks are changing with the times, their changing to meet their target audiences, etc. I'm not saying people don't appreciate education (or edutainment) anymore but what's required of a Disney park now is different from what it was in the past! I have no problem with characters in Epcot (there needs to be a happy medium but still I don't see the issues that everybody has).

Now with all that being said... I don't have "typical" children. My children (ages 5 & 2) love Epcot - it's their favorite park. They love the movies in the varioius countries, they love touring WS, they love eating in the restaurants, etc. On our upcoming trip this Aug. I have already been told by my children that we have to go to Epcot first! My husband and I love Epcot... has this love worn off on our children... I don't know but they do "get it"!?!

I try to see the bigger picture sometimes. If Disney is appealing to a wider audience then attendance goes up - if attendance goes up then there's more money - more money means more attractions, upgrades, refurbs, etc. - it's a good thing!

And nobody knows what Walt wanted! Walt would have changed with the times... he would have had a business to run!

P.S. Not just "little kids" like characters!

 

[WV_Jayola]

haven't read this whole thread, and don't care to. usual people grumbling over the usual inane things.

i love this! i love snow white, love classic disney animation, and love epcot. it all works together for me and my family!

jeff.

 

[Gorjus]

EPCOT doesn't exist; not the way Walt wanted it. He wanted a community you lived in. Celebration is closer to Walt's dream of EPCOT.

You can't educate people if they don't come and stay for a bit. Characters, alcohol, live entertainment and Kim Possible get people to the WS pavillions and keep them there long enough to possibly learn something.

As someone who spends a lot of her time with the characters in World Showcase, I can tell you that MOST guests have no clue why a character is in a certain country. As cast members, one of our duties is to educate them in a fun way. Guest: "Who are we in line for?" Me: "Well, we are in *name a country*. What Disney character's story fits with this country?" Some figure it out, some need help and then get that happy suprise face when the light turns on and they learned something.

Families are the mainstay of WDW. Everything has to be geared to them. So many families just walk around the lake and never ever step foot inside the countries attractions to check it out. But now, let's use Germany as an example. The kids are playing Kim Possible and moving around the pavillion checking things out and learning things while playing. Mom and Dad can be enjoying beer or wine while following the kids around. Also, Dad can get in the nice long line for Snow White with his beer and wait with the kids while mom gets to shop or explore the pavillion.

As for the princesses in Norway, and speaking of plaques, there is a plaque outside the Norway restaruant that explain why the princesses are there. It says something like.....Her Royal Highness, The Queen of Norway, invites you to a meal with the storybook princesses.

The number of guests that know as much about Disney as we all do on this board is miniscule. Most are just looking for a fun time, not purity.

 

[Figment632]

Ah so many jokes come to mind when I think of Aladinn but none of them are PC so I won't tell them

 

[Animaniac93-98]

As for the princesses in Norway, and speaking of plaques, there is a plaque outside the Norway restaruant that explain why the princesses are there. It says something like.....Her Royal Highness, The Queen of Norway, invites you to a meal with the storybook princesses.

I'll also stick up for Akershus and say that the setting, food (best out of any character meal) and staff are still all representative of Norway and the the princesses just make it more accessible to families who may not have tried that restaurant in the first place. At least Disney didn't add burgers and fries to the menu (which might make some adults happier who find meatballs and mashed potatoes too "foreign").

 

[drew81]

EPCOT doesn't exist; not the way Walt wanted it. He wanted a community you lived in. Celebration is closer to Walt's dream of EPCOT.

You can't educate people if they don't come and stay for a bit. Characters, alcohol, live entertainment and Kim Possible get people to the WS pavillions and keep them there long enough to possibly learn something.

As someone who spends a lot of her time with the characters in World Showcase, I can tell you that MOST guests have no clue why a character is in a certain country. As cast members, one of our duties is to educate them in a fun way. Guest: "Who are we in line for?" Me: "Well, we are in *name a country*. What Disney character's story fits with this country?" Some figure it out, some need help and then get that happy suprise face when the light turns on and they learned something.

Families are the mainstay of WDW. Everything has to be geared to them. So many families just walk around the lake and never ever step foot inside the countries attractions to check it out. But now, let's use Germany as an example. The kids are playing Kim Possible and moving around the pavillion checking things out and learning things while playing. Mom and Dad can be enjoying beer or wine while following the kids around. Also, Dad can get in the nice long line for Snow White with his beer and wait with the kids while mom gets to shop or explore the pavillion.

As for the princesses in Norway, and speaking of plaques, there is a plaque outside the Norway restaruant that explain why the princesses are there. It says something like.....Her Royal Highness, The Queen of Norway, invites you to a meal with the storybook princesses.
The number of guests that know as much about Disney as we all do on this board is miniscule. Most are just looking for a fun time, not purity.

I would like to see Nolka the Troll back in Norway as well but I doubt that will ever happen.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Ah, but characters for the sake of characters is wrong. Aladdin should not be present in Morocco. His story takes place in Asia, not Africa. He doesn't belong. Nor do the princesses belong in Norway, or Donald in Mexico.

Donald and the 3 Cabs work, though. I know DD is American, but his interaction with the 3Cabs inside the Pavilion warrants it.

Well Donald is presented as an American tourist in the ride and not like some ancient Mexican God so I'm not bothered by it myself.

Exactly.:lol:

Epcot was not designed to have characters...it was not designed to be an MK part 2, it was designed to be a creative, educational park for a bit of an older, more sophisticated crowd, and somehow their attendance didn't suffer until they decided to let all of the original attractions get outdated and in disrepair.

Then thought they had to change things because they couldn't figure out what to do with Epcot, so they started to change to thrill rides and make it more for the little kids, like the rest of what Disney is trying to attract these days.

Epcot didn't need Nemo, it didn't need a wonderful Norway restaurant being taken over by Princesses (and by extension, STROLLERS everywhere) for every meal of the day, it didn't need characters at every WS pavilion.

It's painfully obvious that WDW isn't about anyone unless they have little kids with them and those people who have little kids can't understand why the rest of us don't enjoy these changes.

I don't understand, like when the horrid wand was stuck onto SSE, people said "but it makes it more Disney!". Anyone who says this don't understand how Disney, meaning Walt wanted things. He didn't want Epcot to be a theme park at all, but if it was going to eventually be one, I don't think he would have wanted characters all over it either, that's what MK is for.

I agree with this POST greatly. Not everyone who goes to Disney is looking for the classic MK MAGIC!!!, but rather a unique type of it. EPCOT still has this appeal, but I think there is a classier way of making it, compared to what they have now.

That being said...Characters might be necessary for the majority of guests, but the presentation needs to be for all. Maybe like Wannabe said yesterday...SitS.:shrug:

 

[GothMickey]

Dxer, thanks for all the back stories as to why these charcaters work. Granted, Aladdin is a long stretch like you all have pointed out, but, the meet and greet there works. I think the characters work just fine where they are located. Takes nothing away from the country at all.

 

[imagineer boy]

Epcot was not designed to have characters...it was not designed to be an MK part 2, it was designed to be a creative, educational park for a bit of an older, more sophisticated crowd, and somehow their attendance didn't suffer until they decided to let all of the original attractions get outdated and in disrepair.

Then thought they had to change things because they couldn't figure out what to do with Epcot, so they started to change to thrill rides and make it more for the little kids, like the rest of what Disney is trying to attract these days.

Epcot didn't need Nemo, it didn't need a wonderful Norway restaurant being taken over by Princesses (and by extension, STROLLERS everywhere) for every meal of the day, it didn't need characters at every WS pavilion.

It's painfully obvious that WDW isn't about anyone unless they have little kids with them and those people who have little kids can't understand why the rest of us don't enjoy these changes.

I don't understand, like when the horrid wand was stuck onto SSE, people said "but it makes it more Disney!". Anyone who says this don't understand how Disney, meaning Walt wanted things. He didn't want Epcot to be a theme park at all, but if it was going to eventually be one, I don't think he would have wanted characters all over it either, that's what MK is for.

Very well said! :sohappy: There are ways of making Epcot friendly for kids while still keeping the mature educational theme without plastering Nemo all over the place.