Yeah, absolutely. One of my previous bosses is exactly how I described. Definitely visits the parks more than I do and truly loves them. However she claimed that Pixar Pier was “fantastic” and I just can’t. She has similar opinions about other garbage offerings in the parks.
I have a friend who, on the way to the parks one day, said Disney should consider getting rid of some of the older attractions in the park, like Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Haunted Mansion. Took everything within me not to call her out of her name.
I was partially joking when I made the original comment, but “Disney shills” really are a thing (some refer to them as “pixie dusters”, I think).
The question is, why? Why have we enabled this company to think so highly of themselves that they feel they’re beyond criticism?
Well, I’ve come up with three reasons:
1. They work for/want to work for the company, and want to be in their good graces. I can understand this.
2. They are interested in becoming an influencer, and want a media pass. You’d be surprised how often I see this one. I don’t think the media list is as large as these “shills” think.
3. They are just tired of the negativity that us “realists” spread regarding the parks, and try to combat this with an intense amount of the opposite reaction. They convince themselves that the negativity people are so wrong, that they become too optimistic about newer changes and announcements for the park. I can understand the irritation with the constant negativity, but there is such a thing as “toxic positivity”.
I hope for a little more humility in the company. It’s something they’ve never really succeeded in, but it would be much better for the consumers and the company as a whole. And I have an inkling of a feeling we’re going to reach that point...in about a decade or so.
