SpaceShip Earth Update. 2/4/06

[speck76]

Not to blast you, but SSE is hardly a plain-jane geosphere; it's the only large one that exists.

And that is significant how?

Furthermore, most of the public knows that SSE is at Walt Disney World; the idea that "Disney left the wand up there to remind people that Epcot is at WDW" is an internet myth. Until WDW's 25th anniversary, Disney prominently featured SSE in most of their advertising (remember the 80s commercial with Mickey waving to us on top the sphere?); and Disney often used a photo montage of the castle, geosphere, water tower, and tree (you can still purchase merchandise with this arrangement). The castle-and-nothing-else approach is actually a result of Yellow Shoes' recent marketing campaigns, which have essentially been the same thing for years (pixie dust, a castle, and a pretty typeface).

The 80's were a long time ago....and people have changed since then. The parks have to change with the times.....because the "times" are not about to stop changing.

In addition "most" of the public knows that Epcot is at WDW, but not everyone. When I hear guest confuse ride locations between the various WDW parks, or even between WDW and Universal......it shows the general ignorance of the public.

Selling WDW as a "place" used to work, but that does not mean it works now, or that it will work in the future.

 

[Enderikari]

Somebody at Siemens was extremely fond of classic SSE (no wand, "Tomorrow's Child), but that does not mean that Disney is going to take the wand down for that person or bring the song back.

You are absolutely right, there were some stalwarts in the Siemen's group who was against the wand, however, the company's position as a whole supports the wand being over SSE. Whether or not that is a crucial decision-maker in keeping the wand is beyond me, because, as you say, the wand, as a part of the external appearance of SSE, belongs to WDW, but Siemens does have a say in those proceedings.

Remember, Siemen's agreed to sponsor SSE, the icon, as well as SSE, the attraction.

 

[tirian]

People don't want to know about everything they can do here?




I think the biggest reason Yellow Shoes is still using that campaign is to differentiate Disney from other "theme parks": WDW is an experience, not just another place full of rides.

The problem is that Yellow Shoes has focused on the MK for such a long time that people now do equate WDW only with the castle. If you read my post carefully, you'll see that I acknowledge the problem. But the problem isn't because the public is stupid, as opposed to what we Disney-ites (of which I am one ) claim. The problem is that the resort has been advertised incorrectly; and as a result, the public no longer understands everything that WDW offers.

Selling what you offer has nothing to do with changing times. As a graphic designer, that's what I'm paid to do. As times change, you change your methods; but you still need to make sure that the audience understands your product.

Anyway, I'm only trying to stimulate conversation, not start an argument.

:wave:


p.s. Guests confuse WDW with USF because both resorts have a "Studios" park. Those tend to be the only parks people confuse (I've never heard of anyone who thought that Epcot and Animal Kingdom were at USF).

 

[tirian]

Remember, Siemen's agreed to sponsor SSE, the icon, as well as SSE, the attraction.

True. Yet those "stalwarts" were actually the representatives in charge of getting the sponsorship and may hold some sway.

Anyway, I highly doubt that the company really cares about what happens to the wand. :animwink: It probably hasn't come up at corporate board meetings ("We can increase our share of the US electronics market by removing the wand from SSE at WDW!") :lol:

So the wand's fate remains to be seen.

 

[Enderikari]

True. Yet those "stalwarts" were actually the representatives in charge of getting the sponsorship and may hold some sway.

We are not going to solve this without going into things that we are really not supposed to be talking about over internet forums. Suffice it to say, we have different sources, and I will be happy with that.

 

[tirian]

The information in our posts agrees; we're not contradicting each other. And saying that some people don't like the wand is hardly confidential information.

 

[speck76]

People don't want to know about everything they can do here?




I think the biggest reason Yellow Shoes is still using that campaign is to differentiate Disney from other "theme parks": WDW is an experience, not just another place full of rides.

The problem is that Yellow Shoes has focused on the MK for such a long time that people now do equate WDW only with the castle. If you read my post carefully, you'll see that I acknowledge the problem. But the problem isn't because the public is stupid, as opposed to what we Disney-ites (of which I am one ) claim. The problem is that the resort has been advertised incorrectly; and as a result, the public no longer understands everything that WDW offers.

Selling what you offer has nothing to do with changing times. As a graphic designer, that's what I'm paid to do. As times change, you change your methods; but you still need to make sure that the audience understands your product.

Anyway, I'm only trying to stimulate conversation, not start an argument.

:wave:


p.s. Guests confuse WDW with USF because both resorts have a "Studios" park. Those tend to be the only parks people confuse (I've never heard of anyone who thought that Epcot and Animal Kingdom were at USF).

It is like ordering food at a restaurant.....but on a larger scale......

If people order a steak with a side of mixed veggies, most are not going to ask, or be interested in every seasoning that is on that steak, or every veggie that is in the side, they only care about the meat and the veggie as a whole......

If WDW had to explain every single option/activity to each guest in order to attract people to WDW, the commercials would be about 6 hours long....instead, the correct way to advertise it is give a 50,000' view of the concept "WDW = vacation = fun"....the castle is used simply as a ploy to spark emotions, as when today's parents were kids, the castle was the only Icon.

 

[peter11435]

It is like ordering food at a restaurant.....but on a larger scale......

If people order a steak with a side of mixed veggies, most are not going to ask, or be interested in every seasoning that is on that steak, or every veggie that is in the side, they only care about the meat and the veggie as a whole......

If WDW had to explain every single option/activity to each guest in order to attract people to WDW, the commercials would be about 6 hours long....instead, the correct way to advertise it is give a 50,000' view of the concept "WDW = vacation = fun"....the castle is used simply as a ploy to spark emotions, as when today's parents were kids, the castle was the only Icon.

I agree with your point, but I do think WDW's marketing is too focused on MK. I think they should go back to the idea of marketing the WDW Vacation Kingdom.

 

[PintoColvig]

In addition "most" of the public knows that Epcot is at WDW, but not everyone. When I hear guest confuse ride locations between the various WDW parks, or even between WDW and Universal......it shows the general ignorance of the public.

Because the general public tends to be ignorant :animwink: , let me offer the following suggestions to Disney:

• Take the wand from Epcot and move it to the Studios. Doesn't the wand go with the Sorcerer's hat anyway?
• Add two big circles to the top sides of SSE and turn it into a giant mickey head. Oh, yeah. Paint it black.
• Reshape the Tree of Life into a Mickey topiary. This way no one would confuse AK with Bush Gardens or, God forbid, a zoo.
• At the MK, put a casino in the castle and emblazen across it in casino lights: "WDW: Not Just for Kids" :animwink:

All in jest, of course. Honestly, the only parks in Orlando with an identity problem are any not owned by Disney. Sure there are a few who get confused about what is in a Disney park vs. other Orlando parks but IMO I doubt the confusion hurts Disney much. Attendance trends in Orlando show that Disney's attendance growth is going strong while others are struggling.

So, move that wand to the Studios! :lol:

 

[dxwwf3]

icorsix is on a roll

 

[speck76]

Honestly, the only parks in Orlando with an identity problem are any not owned by Disney. Sure there are a few who get confused about what is in a Disney park vs. other Orlando parks but IMO I doubt the confusion hurts Disney much. Attendance trends in Orlando show that Disney's attendance growth is going strong while others are struggling.

So, move that wand to the Studios! :lol:

I disagree with that....probably the park with that has maintained its image the best over its life is SeaWorld. While the park has changed, and has had 3 or more different ownership/management groups, its commitment to Marine animals, even as it has branched into more thrilling entertainment vehicles, has never been skewed.

 

[PintoColvig]

I disagree with that....probably the park with that has maintained its image the best over its life is SeaWorld. While the park has changed, and has had 3 or more different ownership/management groups, its commitment to Marine animals, even as it has branched into more thrilling entertainment vehicles, has never been skewed.

I'll give you that on SeaWorld but that probably comes from having and keeping such a narrowly focused theme. :wave:

The question that seems to have been raised on this thread, however, is whether SSE needs "Epcot" emplazened next to it or not for the purpose of identification. It is a matter of opinion, of course, but I say no. If you think about it, if it needs to be identified--in print, on video, on the web--it can be done graphically. At the park itself, those who are close enough to read probably know what it is already. Again, it is a matter of opinion but I find the wand to be both unnecessary and unbecoming.

But what do you think about turning it into a giant black mickey head? :lol:

 

[Maerj]

I was in EPCOT one day and watched as a CM tried to explain to a couple what park they were in and tried to help them to get to the park they wanted to go to. He had to break it down as "the one with the castle, the one with the big tree, etc." So, even having the word EPCOT by Spaceship Earth won't help some people realize where they are.

Perhaps they can give some sort of quick intelligence test at the resorts and if someone falls well below average they can strap a Pal Mickey around them that speaks extra slow and can tell them which park they are in?

 

[River Roost]

Perhaps they can give some sort of quick intelligence test at the resorts and if someone falls well below average they can strap a Pal Mickey around them that speaks extra slow and can tell them which park they are in?

:lol: LOL . . .I love it!!

 

[Tim G]

I'm just wondering what ever made you think that S:E would have some major upgrade/rehab... :veryconfu

 

[speck76]

I'm just wondering what ever made you think that S:E would have some major upgrade/rehab... :veryconfu

runaway fan-boy dreams :lol:

 

[Tim G]

runaway fan-boy dreams :lol:

Must've been a WILD dream LOL

 

[tirian]

Come on. Everybody knows that Siemens is gutting SSE and replacing it with a roller coaster.


:lookaroun


The OP is actually interesting. The last time I rode SSE was in January; and I noticed that the attraction was considerably brighter than it had been, and every effect was working.

One thing has been refurbished: some of the carpet in the lounge area was replaced. Does that count?


EDIT: I'm joking about the coaster, Corrus!

 

[Tim G]

Come on. Everybody knows that Siemens is gutting SSE and replacing it with a roller coaster.

W.T.F.!!! What the heck gave you that idea... :veryconfu

 

[Ghostbuster626]

I dont really care what happens to SSE as long as those "WARNING YOUR TRAIN IS GONNA GO BACKWARDS AT THE END!!" TV monitors are REMOVED and destroyed and the wand comes down! Gut the ride, rehab, it whatever...but please remove the tv's and the wand they are ruining the magic.