Why is it that everyone likes to use "Walt theoreticals" to object to any change they don't like, no matter how slight? Are we really THAT fanatical?
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Why do people always use "Walt theoreticals" to protest changes?
- Thread starter mharrington
- Start date
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Walt would've objected to this thread...
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
I'm guessing you're referring to Disneyland?:lol:
That is a very good question. I think it's because people look at Walt Disney as God, Mickey as Jesus, and the parks as heaven. They want to stay faithful, ESPECICIALLY Disneyland fans. I think the fact that Disneyland was the only park Walt designed, built, lived in and visited makes a lot of the visitors feel like it can't be touched and things can't change (Carnation Plaza Gardens, anyone?). The thing is, Walt Disney said himself that Disneyland will never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world.
These people get on my nerves sometimes. Some things I'd say don't touch but Carnation was basically dead space. The only time it was used was when there was a group/band performing, or for the swing dancing. Same for the uproar over the Disney characters being added to Small World. It wasn't a big deal at all yet people went crazy. Ridiculous.
That is a very good question. I think it's because people look at Walt Disney as God, Mickey as Jesus, and the parks as heaven. They want to stay faithful, ESPECICIALLY Disneyland fans. I think the fact that Disneyland was the only park Walt designed, built, lived in and visited makes a lot of the visitors feel like it can't be touched and things can't change (Carnation Plaza Gardens, anyone?). The thing is, Walt Disney said himself that Disneyland will never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world.
These people get on my nerves sometimes. Some things I'd say don't touch but Carnation was basically dead space. The only time it was used was when there was a group/band performing, or for the swing dancing. Same for the uproar over the Disney characters being added to Small World. It wasn't a big deal at all yet people went crazy. Ridiculous.
GenerationX
Well-Known Member
Most people invoke Walt's name because they think they are able to channel Walt's spirit. Only a select few of us actually still communicate with Walt's disembodied brain, which is kept alive in a top secret lab under the castle. So, when we mention what Walt would've done, we know.
menamechris
Well-Known Member
The Walt Disney Company created "Disney Culture". Fans have gotten wise to it - and sometimes now use it against the very company that created it. I think most Waltisms are taken often out of context, stretched beyond reasonable usefulness, and don't acknowledge the original marketing scheme behind them in the first place.
The Duck
Well-Known Member
I often wonder about the people who claim to know what "Walt would have wanted". How many of them actually knew the man and engaged in meaningful conversations with him. How many were privy to his personal likes and dislikes. How many discussed with him at length about his plans for the upcoming "Florida Project"? No one on this board, that's for damn sure!
The Duck
Well-Known Member
Sorry if I came on as a little harsh in the previous comment but I believe that far too many people claim to be speaking for Walt and they really have no clue about what they're talking about. Just because one reads a book or two and watches a documentary doesn't mean that they're an authority.
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
Ive no idea what Walt would have wanted. However I have expectations as to what I believe conforms to minimum standards for a premium brand. If Disney no longer wished to meet those standards it shouldnt charge and market itself as a premium brand.
John
Well-Known Member
I think you are correct thinking that people shouldnt use "Walts" name to forward an arguement against for or against a piticular issue. We really dont know what he would think. BUT....yes there is always a but, I think that the implied argument should just use the generic term "Disney" to argue thier point. Why?
Disney has set the bar as to the level of show, detail and quality of its product. I think in most situations that is the arguement. The diehard Disney fan has a expectation to the level of quality of product. If the quality isnt met in thier opinion I dont see no reason why they can not hold them to thier own standards. Such as maintenence issues, Disney has set a standard (in the past) as being impeccable when it comes to the conditions of the parks. I dont think it is wrong to say "I wonder what Walt would think" or "This would never be acceptable to Walt" Walt is the one who set that standard from the beginning. Is it wrong to hold the current company to the "Disney" standard?
Disney has set the bar as to the level of show, detail and quality of its product. I think in most situations that is the arguement. The diehard Disney fan has a expectation to the level of quality of product. If the quality isnt met in thier opinion I dont see no reason why they can not hold them to thier own standards. Such as maintenence issues, Disney has set a standard (in the past) as being impeccable when it comes to the conditions of the parks. I dont think it is wrong to say "I wonder what Walt would think" or "This would never be acceptable to Walt" Walt is the one who set that standard from the beginning. Is it wrong to hold the current company to the "Disney" standard?
Disney61
Active Member
Agreed!
Exactly. Disney, especially WDW is in danger of becoming a non-premium experience at a very premium price point.
rodserling27
Well-Known Member
Personally, I refer to Walt when I think the show or parks are not up to his standards. He wanted everything perfect and to always deliver, and a lots of what happens nowadays at WDW doesn't quite do that. Also, Walt was almost always right about things at Disneyland and the attractions that he personally oversaw and created are some of the greatest of all time. I'm not saying that we should keep every last thing that he created or had a hand in making. The parks DO need to change and evolve and stay innovative. But when you swap out attractions with 20th century technology with lavish theming, great story telling and precise detail for bland 21st Century digital screens, lifeless soundtracks and generic-to-little theming...well that's a step in the wrong direction. Walt probably would have disliked it.
The Duck
Well-Known Member
I also, didn't mean to offend. I'm just sick and tired of people claiming to speak for Walt as if he had appointed them to do so on his death bed. I don't claim to possess a higher knowledge of all things Disney, I'm just a Disney fan who wouldn't dream of being Walt's spokesman on Earth.
HM Spectre
Well-Known Member
Without Walt, none of this would be possible. If you learn about the guy and his philosophy/vision, you can see fairly clearly why so much good and quality has come from his company. It's not a stretch to say that for projects that aren't in line with the framework he laid or others that fall (or fall apart
) below his standards that it would be best to take some advice from the man who built this all from nothing. I don't like it when people speak as though they're channeling Walt himself but quoting him or pointing out his views of things is fine to me. Walt Disney was the gold standard... nothing wrong with people wanting his company to live up to the standard he set IMO.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Walt disapproves of such an agressive tone.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
There has been a Walt Disney Company with Walt for 43 years. Without Walt, for 46 years.
~ What would William Penn have thought about 21st century Pennsylvania? ~
~ What would William Penn have thought about 21st century Pennsylvania? ~
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
I think discussion of Walts Theoreticals' should be carried out once the kids have gone to bed.
Clever Name
Well-Known Member
Indeed Walt’s disembodied brain was originally kept in the secret lab deep beneath the Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was touch and go there for many years due to the limited infrastructure at Disneyland until the brain found its permanent home in the utilidor lab of the MK. There have been rumors for several years that WDW might build a new attraction called, “One Man’s Brain”. :wave:
murphysmom
Member
I agree with you OP. And I think that people throw out What would Walt DO or Walt wouldn't like that when they can't make an argument for whatever they like or dislike themselves. So instead of saying something such as "The Test Track Singers are oddly placed, and don't mesh with the rest of Future World" they will say something like "Walt would think the Test Track Singers are sad and don't enhance the park experience".
No one knows for sure what Walt would like or dislike. As we age our dislikes and likes and needs change. Walt wouldn't have been any different. Using his name to shore up a weak argument is kind of silly.
No one knows for sure what Walt would like or dislike. As we age our dislikes and likes and needs change. Walt wouldn't have been any different. Using his name to shore up a weak argument is kind of silly.