Sponsorship pulling out

[lildivaaa]

This subject is really concerning me. First, we hear AT&T pulls from Spaceship Earth...then, FedEx pulls from Space Mountain. Now, we hear GE is pulling from Illuminations!

This is very disturbing to me and, is this a sign of more to come? Are there any other major atractions, with sponsors, that maybe threatened. I know the attractions will continue to runwithout sponsorships, but you have to admit, none of this looks good for Disney or the companies envolved.

Later,
lildivaaa

 

[One Lil Spark]

Didn't Living Seas lose sponsorship too?

If the WoL pavilion hasn't already lost it from MET, I'm sure they will soon. I seem to recall reading something about a falling out with MET and WDW some time back.

It's a shame really b/c that means changes are on the way...

 

[SpongeScott]

To me it's more of a matter of a stagnant economy and some companies may be fulfilling contractual obligations and then bailing. I believe there are companies that will eventually step forward and fill the void. I don't think it makes Disney look bad; it's just changing times we live in right now.

 

[WEDMagic]

Yep

It just seems that with the tough times the companies that sponsers certain disney attractions are just holding on to their money tighter because of the loss off income. it happens! I dont see it as a blow or feeling of the companies on disney its just they cant afford to sponser

 

[DDPGambit]

Originally posted by One Lil Spark

If the WoL pavilion hasn't already lost it from MET, I'm sure they will soon. I seem to recall reading something about a falling out with MET and WDW some time back.

I'm pretty sure WOL lost it's sponsorship quite a while ago. I guess no one really notices cos no one ever goes there anymore. WOL started out with a bang back in the early ninties and then...it just kinda started to well....not be that good anymore.

 

[One Lil Spark]

Originally posted by DDPGambit
I'm pretty sure WOL lost it's sponsorship quite a while ago. I guess no one really notices cos no one ever goes there anymore. WOL started out with a bang back in the early ninties and then...it just kinda started to well....not be that good anymore.

I still go in there when I am at Epcot, but it's just to get away from the crowds! Cranium Command is a good one, and I like being able to walk on to Body Wars.

(Sorry, kind of a thread drift there )

 

[wild01ride]

Half empty/Half full??:veryconfu

Whichever way you cut it- "changes" is right!

But does it mean changes for the worse? I don't think so.

Look at all the posibilities and speculation about new sponsors. Who knows what deals the execs have in the works...

 

[lildivaaa]

Originally posted by wild01ride
Look at all the posibilities and speculation about new sponsors. Who knows what deals the execs have in the works...

Does anyone have information/rumors on future sponsers lining up to slap there name on an attraction?

 

[wild01ride]

I've seen rumors and "claims" of other sponsors such as Microsoft, etc. I think M:S is opening via HP/Compaq.

If anyone else has any info/confirmation, please add!

 

[Maerj]

Originally posted by sandjhooker
To me it's more of a matter of a stagnant economy and some companies may be fulfilling contractual obligations and then bailing. I believe there are companies that will eventually step forward and fill the void. I don't think it makes Disney look bad; it's just changing times we live in right now.

Exactly! Once the economy bounces back, and I am hoping that is soon, the sponsers will return.

 

[niteobsrvr]

Originally posted by Maerj
Exactly! Once the economy bounces back, and I am hoping that is soon, the sponsers will return.

The key to marketing is exposing as many potential customers to your brand/product as possible. With EPCOT attendance on the decline and no clear cut plans to re-invigorate the parks, the sponsors are not realizing a reasonable return on their investment.

This isn't just budget tightening. Afterall, the SuperBowl wasn't commercial free was it? Companies are advertising where it makes sense.

LOL, that sounds like total business speak. Its the truth though. In general, even on these boards, people feel that EPCOT has become stagnant and uninteresting. THere are many reasons for this that are too involved for this forum. Lets just say times have changed and people no longer find it difficult to experience technology in their everyday life. In regards to World Showcase, other nations are no longer mysteries due to the communications and travel advancements in the last 20 years.

 

[Maerj]

Okay, but what about the posts that were saying that Spaceship Earth is one of the most frequented rides in the world? I don't think that Epcot is on the decline, maybe theme parks just aren't the best places for advertising? I mean, how many people have gone to use Fed Ex and said "Oh, I saw this on Space Mountain, I'll use them!" I don't know...

Maybe there are a lot of posts stating that people are dissatisfied with Epcot, but online posts aren't a very good barometer as far as judging how much people enjoy things. People online like to moan and complain about things they dearly love. Its a strange phenomenon, but its true.

 

[MouseRight]

GE pulling out of sponsorhip is a big deal. GE has been a sponsor of Disney rides since the 1964/1965 World's Fair, where they sponsored Carousel of Progress (All of the applicances were GE!). I think they followed COP to Disneyland, then I believe COP in Disney World in the beginning, Horizons, and then Illuminations.

Unless there is some announcement that they are going to sponsor somethig else, then this is the end of a very long realtionship between the 2 companies.

Sad, but probably a sign of the times, the economy, and a business judgement that the money can be better spent elsewhere.

As a shareholder of The Mouse, I would like to hear something about this sponsor loss issue from management.

Yeah Right!! :lol:

 

[roysta123]

I heard that GM wants to back out of their sponsor with Test Track because they don't want to sponsor a car ride that breaks down all the time.

Can anyone confirm?

 

[TURKEY]

BUMP